Work Resumes On N7.8bn Nworie River Dredging Project

The dredging of the N7.8 billion Nworie River project in Owerri, has resumed after many months of inactivity at the site.

Our correspondent reports that work resumed at the site following the repairs of one of the dredging equipment which was grounded at Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, the site of the project.

The project is being executed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in partnership with the Imo government.

According to a source, an engineer with RUODO Nigeria Limited, the company handling the project, more dredging machines will be mobilised to complement the four on ground.

The engineer, who prefers anonymity said that full-scale dredging had commenced and that the contract had three-year lifespan from 2009 when the company mobilised to site.

The source said that “the river will be about three meters deep after dredging to make it navigable, especially by yachts.’’

He also said, “We are now at the stage of excavation, clearing and embankment. And this will be followed by the shore protection work.’’

The sources also said that the special material required for the shore protection were not readily available in the country, adding that the company would need to import them.

“The site will become a tourist centre after the dredging. We are praying for more rains because we need more sand and water to facilitate our job,” the source said.