Chamber laments the deteriorating condition of facilities in Onitsha River Port

www.odogwublog.com reports that the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry,

Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA) has lamented the deteriorating condition of facilities in Onitsha River Port, which has been abandoned for three years after commissioning.

The President of ONICCIMA, Dr Tim Anosike, revealed this in an address at the 27^th Annual General Meeting of ONICCIMA held in Onitsha, Anambra yesterday.

Anosike noted that it would be advisable for the Federal Government to fast track the operation of the port and functionality of its facilities while searching for its concessionaire, which had taken years already.

``Concerning the Onitsha River Port, this Chamber continues to maintain a strong reservation against non commencement of activities at the port, almost three years after its official commissioning.

``As a result of this ugly development, all the state of the art facilities installed in the port have been deteriorating and rotting away.

``Is it not, therefore, better for the government to fast-track the operation of the port while searching for the concessionaire?

``Otherwise, the huge investments in the port will, very sadly, become wasted without any return,’’ he said.

On the 2^nd Niger Bridge, Anosike lauded the Federal Government for commencement of the project as well as setting outside fund for the 40-month construction duration of the bridge.

``While the Chamber expresses her gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan over this milestone, we also hasten to request that nothing should be done to derail or delay the project.

``We urge the contractor to be more serious and strictly stick to the standards and other terms already identified for the project,’’ he said.

The chamber boss noted that Anambra government investment in security was yielding positive results, thus, making the state investors destination in the country.

He said that it had led to improvement in night-life within the state especially in the commercial city of Onitsha.

``Returning the joint military/police check points to the flush-points across the state, particular in Onitsha and environs, is very important for sustained security of lives and property.

``Their presence gives clear assurances of continuous security of life and property of the citizenry,’’ he added. 

Photo caption 

The Deputy President of ONICCIMA, Mr Uche Apakama (middle), who is to be the new president of ONICCIMA in June; been flanked by the Traditional Ruler of Awka, Igwe Gibson Nwosu (left) and the Traditional Prime Minister of Awkuzu community, Dr Ozua Okoye (right) as well as other executive members of the chamber.