By CHARLES IWUOHA

Funds have been released for the establishment of limestone granules factory in Ebonyi State.

The factory is located at Okpoto in Ishielu Local Government Area of the state. This follows the approval by the Nigerian government.

Governor David Umahi disclosed this on Thursday while playing host to the people of Ishielu Local Government Area on a Christmas and New Year homage to him in his Uburu country home.

The Governor, while appreciating the people for their solidarity also announced that the industry came with arrangements for constant electricity supply in Okpoto and neighbouring communities of the state.

“Let me announce to Ishielu people, and it is good news: before the next two weeks, you will be having constant power supply along those corridors, from Okpoto to Isu, to Onicha.

“We have 60 brand new MVA produced by the Niger Delta Power Holding.

“The Federal Government has mobilized contractors to start building the factory for limestone granules in Okpoto.

“Mr. President has also approved money for the contractors to take that light from Okpoto through the corridors to Isu, Onicha”.

On the reported outbreak of Cholera in the area, the Governor instructed the Chairman, Obinna Onwe, and stakeholders to begin immediate actions to contain the disease, promising to sink a reasonable number of Boreholes in the area to stop waterborne diseases.

Governor Umahi further called on the next administration to consider tackling headlong, the water challenges facing the states.

He consequently recommended the adoption of an isolated approach by investing in small community water projects.

He commended his predecessor, Chief Martin Elechi for his passion in solving the perennial water problems in the State, but noted that solving the problem demands isolated solutions rather than a general approach.

He further regretted that the functionality of the Oferekpe Water Scheme has continuously been hampered by some construction defects and theft of equipment by ministerial staff and others.

“I think that the next administration should look into small water projects for Communities until we get to maturity.

“Where we have water we can get from the streams, purify and reticulate, and where we have none, we can sink boreholes.”

The Governor also played host to the people of Mebiowa Ọkpọsị Community led by Dr. Kenneth Okoro; forum of EAs, STAs and TAs, Ebonyi South Women forum, Ebonyi Reality Movement, Seventh Day Adventist Church and Ebonyi Grassroots Movement.

Others were Ministeries of Capital City Development, Power, Commerce and Industry, Education, Culture and Tourism as well as Lands and Survey.

Leaders of the various groups appreciated the Governor for his commendable performance across the state, pledging to leave no stone unturned towards ensuring victory for all candidates of the All Progressives Congress in the 2023 general elections.

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