AbIa State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has approved the commencement of a feasibility study for the proposed Azumini–Obeaku seaport and inland waterway corridor project in Ukwa West LGA of the State.
Governor Otti granted the approval on Tuesday, when he received a delegation from China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), in his office at Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area, following a presentation on the company’s proposed approach to the project.
“Somehow, deep in my mind, I know that this is the approach. I may not have worked it out in these details, but it is good to understand the details and all what is required.
“So I think you can take it that approval has been given for the feasibility study to commence.
“We need to start the process immediately, hoping that the feasibility study will return positive”, the Gov said.
He, however, urged the firm to explore ways of shortening the proposed timeline for the feasibility study, noting that six to seven months was a long period and expressed the need for it to be reduced.
Governor Otti assured that the state government will immediately begin the process of securing regulatory approvals from relevant authorities, including the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as well as the Presidency.
The Governor further urged the team to undertake an inspection visit to the Obeaku Blue River as part of preliminary assessments.
“It may be appropriate for you to visit. I believe that that visit will precede the feasibility study. I do know that where we are talking about is about 19 nautical miles from the high sea.
“That’s the impression I got. Maybe when you go and visit, you come out with the specifics. If it is about 19 miles, the question of viability will now come to play, because what it requires will now be dredging, and dredging increases the cost.
“I’m not a technical person, but at least I have an idea of what I want to achieve. So I think that’s where to start. Pay a visit to the place, then come back to the team, and then we can now take the next steps from feasibility all the way to construction”, he stated.
The Governor expressed appreciation to the delegation for their presentation and expressed hope that they would return to continue discussions on the next line of action.
Earlier in his presentation, the Marketing Manager of China Harbour Engineering Company said that the Azumini–Obeku Seaport Inland Waterway Corridor is a strategic infrastructure project aimed at opening up Abia State and the South-East to direct maritime access and global trade.
Mr Liu highlighted company’s involvement in major maritime projects across Africa and its role in the development of seaports, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, adding that the company has the capacity to deliver end-to-end infrastructure projects.
He further detailed the project development process, beginning with a comprehensive feasibility study to assess technical, commercial and financial viability, followed by design, funding arrangements and eventual construction and expressed the company’s readiness to partner with the Abia State Government to advance the project.
