ONITSHA TO GET MONORAIL SYSTEM

The  Anambra State government has signed a Memorandum  of Understanding(MOU) with Globim Corporation for the construction of a monorail system to ease the chaotic transport problem  in the commercial city of Onitsha .

Governor Peter Obi said the deal covers the financing, design, construction and operation of monorail transport system, saying an agreement had already been signed with the company.

Governor Obi signed for the state government while the Chairman of Globim, Dr. Jude Igwemezie signed for the company.

The governor explained that the project would start with a feasibility study of the city followed by the actual execution of the system.

He said the project would upgrade the transport system in the city to meet the demand of the day in line with the vision of government to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. He added that government was working hard to improve infrastructure and social amenities in Onitsha, especially with its new status as one of the five fastest growing cities in the world.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Special Duties Mr. Robert Okonkwo said the project was an innovation that would help decongest the city and enhance easy movement.  Okonkwo stressed that the company would not only build the rail but would also provide other facilities needed for the system including the trains which he explained would be built locally with potentials  to provide more than 5,000 jobs.

The chairman of the company, Dr. Igwemezie, thanked Governor Obi for giving them the opportunity to contribute a new transport system for the state. Igwemezie said the first phase of the project would involve a survey to establish viability and engineering feasibility and would be followed by the execution of the project. He added that the company would provide the fund, execute the project and manage it for sometime before handing it over to the state government