President Muhammadu Buhari has given approval in principle for the construction of a hydropower development facility in the popular Nworie River, to generate electricity in Owerri metropolis.
The special adviser to the state governor on public enlightenment, Eze Ugochukwu, said the governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma secured the promise during a meeting he held with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.
The governor’s aide said President Buhari made the approval after Governor Uzodimma told him the river has the capacity to boost electricity, which would enhance the state’s economy.
“I also asked the President to consider citing a power generating facility in Nworie River, where we have been able to control the flood with balloon technology and the tide has increased.
“And because of the sufficient water in the river now, we can use it to generate electricity to serve the Owerri metropolis,” he quoted the governor.
The Nworie River is a popular river that passes through Owerri and drains into the Otamiri River at Nekede, a suburb made popular by the Federal Polytechnic.
The length of the river from its source to its confluence is 9.2 km. The river is reputed to be heavily polluted owed to its central presence in the state capital, and running negligence by subsequent administration in Owerri.
By Chidi Ekpewerechi
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