Abia Govt. to build multi-billion naira agro-industrial processing facility in Umunneochi – Otti
Abia Govt. to build multi-billion naira agro-industrial processing facility in Umunneochi – Otti
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has said that the State Government will build a multi-billion naira agro-industrial processing facility in Umunneochi Local Government Area of the state.
Otti said this on Wednesday, when he commissioned the 11.27-kilometer Mbala-Umuaku-Ngodo Road for reconstruction.
He said that Umunneochi had been selected as one of the three locations for a multi-billion naira Agro-industrial processing facility.
He said that the project was designed to transform the state’s agricultural sector.
He also said that the facility would be structured “to radically enhance the agricultural ecosystem by integrating production, aggregation, and processing of agro-commodities”.
The governor said that the initiative aimed at boosting local food production, enhancing value chains, and creating export opportunities.
According to him, the project will be implemented shortly, and will serve as a major economic driver, supporting farmers, agribusinesses, and the local economy.
He said that, within the limit of available resources, government would continue to fund road rehabilitation projects to ensure the smooth movement of people and goods.
He also directed the Commissioner for Works to inspect the dilapidated Nmam Bridge in the area and report back for proper planning and intervention.
Otti said that “no community would be left behind” in his administration’s agenda to transform the state for sustainable development and economic growth.
In a speech, the Minister of State for Labor and Employment, Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, described road construction as a key factor in economic growth and community development.
Onyejeocha, who hails from the area, said: “I am very excited because I know that the average Umunneochi person values road construction.
“I commend the government for embarking on this project because it would improve the livelihood of the people in the area.”
She also appealed to the government to rehabilitate the Nmam Bridge for improved vehicular movement in the area.
In a remark, the Lawmaker representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Chief Amobi Ogah, described the project as a unifying factor for residents.
Ogah also appealed to the government to rehabilitate the Uturu Road connecting Umunneochi, to enable the residents to connect Isuikwuato without going through Imo, in order to reduce travel time.
Also, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Otumchere Oti, thanked the governor for his unwavering commitment to harnessing the full potentials of rural communities through the provision of good road network.
Oti said that the Mbala-Umuaku-Ngodo Road runs through a corridor harbouring agrarian communities that produce different types of agricultural produce, such as cassava, cashew, yam and black beans in commercial quantities.
He said that the absence of good access roads had always made the marketing of the produce difficult for the farmers.
He said that in the past there were stories that contracts were awarded for the reconstruction of the road but in the end nothing significant was done.
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“Today, the governor, the jinx breaker, is here and every obstacle that had stood against the construction of this road would be thrown into the dustbin of history,” he said.
The commissioner further said that the reconstruction of the road would create a safer and smoother road that would significantly reduce journey stress suffered by road users.
He said, “This would address issues of journey time, operating cost experienced by the locals and enable them to access markets and sell their farm produce with ease.
“This would bring about growth in agribusiness in the area and provide direct and indirect employment for both skilled and unskilled manpower.
“It will by extension impact positively on the internally generated revenue of the state.”
He said that the road begins at Nkwo Market, Mbala and transverses through Afor Market in Umuaku, terminating at Umuada Ngodo.
“The road has a contract period of one year with a width of 6-meters and 1-meter wide shoulders.
“The pavement consists of 200-milimeter thick laterite softbase, 150-milimeter thick stonebase and 50-millimeter thick asphaltic concrete wearing course.
“There will be provision of culverts and drains at deserving locations, while street lights would be provided at built up areas, kilometer poles, road signs and markings will also be provided,” Oti said.
He urged the residents to give the contractors maximum support, so that they would feel at home to give their best for the delivery of the project.
In separate remarks, the lawmaker representing Umunneochi Constituency, Chief Matthias Umeh, and the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr Chaka Chukwumerije, described the project as strategic to the economy of the state.
They commended the governor for his infrastructural revolution across the state.
