The secretary of Imo State Industrial Estate Engr Nwabueze Akobundu has called on the state government to assist them in the development of their respective companies by ensuring the establishment of gas power station in the area.
Daily Independent gathered that proprietors of numerous companies in the said estate have reached an agreement over the years with Gas Company in Izombe, Oguta Local Government Area on how to pipe gas into the estate but government of Imo State seems not to be interested in the project.
“We have alternative sources of power supply to grow our businesses here in Owerri. The gas company wants to bring gas into the estate from Izombe which is 28 kilometres to Owerri. The government should rise up and give them the right of way to bring the gas into the industrial estate.”
Akobundu went further, stating that the use of gas guarantees better business development, job opportunities and easy conversion of most company generators from fuel to gas generators.
“We held a meeting with the Nigerian gas company and they are willing to bring their gas into owerri, we already have the understanding with them, but the issue of right of way has remained the problem. They don’t require government money to pipe gas to Owerri.
“We users of fuel generator can convert to gas consumption generator and there are so many hotels within this area that can use up the gas.
Companies or hotels will operate half the price to be compared with the use of public power supply.
The next alternative he said: “if the gas company brings gas in the estate, a power company can be established to generate power for the estate irrespective of what EEDC is doing with power generation. We must rise to the occasion and do something for ourselves. I am happy that the Governor Emeka Ihedioha sent people to know how we feel in the estate and we have told them what we need to get our businesses moving.
On the critical road condition of the area and decay of other infrastructures Akobundu said: “if government opens up the 15 kilometre roads within the estate, manufacturers and businesses will thrive in the area.
“Government over the years has frustrated the efforts of the companies in the estate because they think that they cannot benefit directly from projects within the estate, forging that government has the responsibilities helping companies to grow with a view to reduce unemployment in the state”.
