UMUCHU – An industrialist, Chief Godwin Ezeemo on Saturday called on Anambra Government to open up more rural roads to enhance industrial growth and development of the State.
Ezeemo made the call at Umuchu, Anambra, when members of the State House of Assembly Committee on Works paid an oversight visit to the area.
Ezeemo, represented by the Deputy Chairman of Orient Group of companies, commended the government for the construction of major roads in the state.
He said the state of major roads were at enviable levels but urged the government to also work on link roads that lead to rural areas in the state.
Ezeemo noted that the new phase of development in the state was now tended towards industrialisation of the grassroots.
“The economy of this state is gradually moving from commercial to industrial and opening up rural areas will further create the enabling environment for the firms to thrive”, he said.
According to him, opening of such link roads will be an added boost to the industrial sector and will enhance private sector’s contribution to employment creation.
Ezeemo said that opening up rural roads in Anambra would assist some of his firms located in the hinterland, adding that he had no fewer than 300 employees at that level.
He particularly called for the construction of the roads linking Umuchu and Akokwa and Umunze to Uga.
“The access roads will trigger industrial growth in the state, encourage movement of materials and products, create more jobs and increase the revenue of the state”, he stressed.
Responding, Chairman of the committee, Mr Emeka Idu, (PDP-Onitsha North), said the legislature acknowledged the huge investment by the Orient Group in the state.
He promised that the House would provide legislative backing for the necessary infrastructure for grassroots industrialisation being championed by the Orient Group of companies.
Idu stressed that construction of the roads was necessary and would be considered in the 2014 budget.
“We are impressed with the effort of Mr Godwin Ezeemo and his team; the government will help because the future of our youths are involved”, he said.
The committee had inspected some ongoing road projects. (NAN)
