The State Government through its Ministry of Planning and Budget and ANSIPPA is in talks with a Chinese firm for the development of rail projects in the State.

Governor Willie Obiano disclosed this at the governor’s Lodge, Amawbia when he signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the development of an ultra modern bonded container freight terminal in the State.

The MoU with an investment size of five point five billion naira will see the execution of the project under a Special Purpose Vehicle to be called Anambra Bonded Container Freight Terminal at Ozubulu in Ekwusigo Council Area which will include a container shed, equipment maintenance workshop, Lorry/container park, control tower and tanks among others.

There would also be buildings to accomodate government agencies such as NAFDAC, NDLEA and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Under the MoU, the State Government is to contribute thirteen hectares of land amounting to about five hundred million naira as its equity while the investor will bring the balance of five billion naira.

Signing the MoU, Governor Obiano said his administration will complement the project with the rail project as according to him, heavy containers conveying goods on land is usually faced with lots of challenges.
The governor further said his government is also targeting to use the project to change the trend from importation to exportation as the terminal will provide the opportunity for Agro-manufacturers and other industrialists to export their products.

He expressed delight at the employment prospects which the project holds during the construction phaze and assured that his government will continue to create the enabling environment for investors to bring their wealth into the state.

Earlier, the Chairman of ANSIPPA and traditional ruler of Umuoji, Igwe Cyril Enweze acknowledged that the Terminal when completed, will act as a catalyst to the think home philosophy of the present administration, commending Governor Obiano for his vision that is transforming the State.

The Managing Director of the Investing Company, Chief Anthony Nwabunike observed that the project is very strategic as it will help address the numerous challenges which the business community in the state face in the hands of Customs officers on Federal roads and assured that they are committed to completing the project within the stipulated ten months completion period.

In a vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Road, Rail and Water Transportation, Princess Chinwe Nwebili noted that the project is another effort of the present administration that gives credence to its commitment towards the welfare of all sections of Ndi Anambra.
Formal signing of the MoU documents by the governor and the investor formed the highpoint of the ceremony.

ABS