The Imo State Commissioner for Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals, Ernest Ibejiako has disclosed that the state government has concluded arrangements to establish three industrial parks in the state.
Ibejiako said the three geopolitical zones in the state would have an industrial park each.
He made the disclosure on Thursday, August 8, when he interfaced with members of the Imo State House of Assembly Committee on Commerce and Industry at the State Assembly complex.
He explained that an industrial park is an industrial or trading estate which has been zoned and planned for the purpose of industrial development.
Ibejiako further explained that solid mineral deposits are in large quantity in Okigwe zone, and as such, industrial park for solid mineral has been designated for Okigwe zone, while Orlu zone will be for pharmaceuticals.
The Commissioner further stated that the industrial park for Owerri zone will be mixed.
The Commissioner regretted the encroachment at the Imo Industrial Layout, Owerri whereby people have started erecting residential houses, saying that the layout is purely for the establishment of industries.
Ibejiako also said that the same challenge is being witnessed at the Naze Industrial Layout but assured that the appropriate government agency would soon do the needful.
The Commissioner further disclosed that government would soon tar the16 kilometre road in the Imo Industrial Layout, Owerri, as well as supply electricity to the layout as soon as the Orashi Power Station comes on stream.
Ibejiako stated that on the directive of the governor, illegal mining sites had been closed down, pointing out that illegal miners have devastated many hectares of land that would have been put to profitable use.
Earlier, the Chairman, House Committee on Commerce and Industry, Johnleoba Iheoha pledged support to ensure the vision of the Senator Hope Uzodimma administration in the commerce, mines and solid minerals sector, is actualized.
Iheoha explained the need to reposition the sector to meet the demands of time, in line with the vision of Governor Uzodimma.
Iheoha, who represents Ikeduru Constituency said the interface with the officials of the ministry was in fulfilment of the oversight function of the committee as enshrined in the constitution.
He asserted that if this sector of the economy of the state is properly repositioned, government would earn more revenue, create employment opportunities for millions of citizens, thereby rescue the state from the socio-economic doldrum.
He pledged that the Committee would support the ministry to ensure the sector is brought to a glorious height.
Iheoha bemoaned the closure of the Nigerian Breweries at Awo-Omamma, which according to him, has deprived some Imo citizens of gainful employment.
He said upon enquiry, he was informed that the closure was due to the high cost of production, especially on power, pointing out that the brewery would resume as soon as the situation improves.
Iheoha expressed confidence that with the coming on stream of the Orashi Power station, Nigerian Breweries Awo Omamma would bounce back, so that Imo sons and daughters would return to work.
He equally informed the Commissioner that while on an oversight duty to the Coca-Cola Bottling Company Plc located at the Imo Industrial Layout, Owerri, the management indicated interest to tar the access road leading to their premises, but demanded official approval to do so.
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