15:T709,

At last, construction work has started on the Onitsha branch of popular South African retail company Shoprite. Onitsha, the famous trading town, is the economic capital of Anambra State in South-East Nigeria.

Speaking today during an inspection of the project, the state governor, Mr. Peter Obi, promised that his administration would expand parts of the road in the area to further widen the access road to the International Shopping Mall.

He said the expansion of the road would be extended to the Onitsha General Hospital axis to enhance free-flow of traffic in the area, as well as to complement the on-going upgrading of infrastructure in Onitsha and environs.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the level of work at the kick off of the project and assured that all necessary infrastructures would be put in place to ensure smooth take-off of the facility. He announced that an Amusement Park would also be built in the area. The shopping mall is being executed under Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Welcoming Governor Obi, a representative of the collaborating firm, Mr. Osita Okonkwo, assured that the shopping mall would be completed on schedule and according to specifications. He commended the governor for awarding the contract for the access road to the mall.

Also speaking, a representative of the Shoprite Group, Mr. Gerald Frits, said that when functional, the mall would reduce the cost of goods as they would be working with local farmers and suppliers in the state.

Frits noted that the facility would also provide a lot of employment opportunities, and commended the vision of Governor Obi in attracting high class investments to the state.

•Photo shows Governor Obi at the project site.

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