BY DIKACHI ELEMBA.
The Imo State government is planning to spend the sum of N348 million in the construction of a modern abattoir at Naze, Owerri North Local Government Area, to replace the existing one at Egbu.
The Egbu abattoir, which has been described as an eyesore, is said to be capable of causing epidemic in the state if the people were allowed to continue to use it for the slaughter of animals for consumption.
The approval for the construction of the new abattoir was announced at the end of the Imo State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Hope Uzodimma on Wednesday.
Declan Emelumba, commissioner for Information and Strategy, told journalists that the abattoir at Egbu would be closed down and the butchers operating there relocated to three designated areas.
“Now that the money has been approved, the construction will go on immediately so that the butchers will be relocated to the site identified earlier to ensure the state does not face an epidemic resulting from such a very unhealthy abattoir,” Emelumba said.
Emelumba also informed the journalists that the Council was delighted that the successful flag-off of two more signature roads – Orlu-Mgbee-Akokwa-Uga and Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Ihitte Uboma roads – had attracted commendations from Imo leaders across political divides.
Emelumba was flanked by other commissioners, including Dan Ogu (Youth and Sports), Anthony Mgbeahurike (Livestock), Love Ineh (Housing), Oguwike Nwachukwu, chief press secretary/media adviser to the governor.
He said even some members of the opposition have been calling to thank the governor for the gigantic strides he has made.
Emelumba said the Council noted with delight that if completed, the two major economic roads the governor must have completed in less than four years would stand as testament to his commitment to the development of Imo State.
“In other words, when completed in addition to the Owerri-Okigwe and Owerri-Orlu roads, it will be taken that the governor has done what no administration since democracy started has been able to do,” he claimed.
He said the Council commended and congratulated the governor for his vision in identifying the major economic arteries that could facilitate trade, boost economy and commerce as well as movement of people.
Emelumba said the Council also approved the construction of Ogwogoroanya-Umuariam-Avutu road that leads to the home of late Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe, the first democratically elected governor of Imo State, in Obowo.
The commissioner said that in approving the road, the Council noted that late Mbakwe “served Imo State selflessly and that the records available with government show that he did not steal any government money” and, as a result, “government is pleased to give him all the honour he deserves”.
Emelumba said the government had earlier renovated Mbakwe’s home, but today the road leading to his home was being constructed so that anybody passing through that road would remember that it leads to the home of the late governor of Imo State, Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe.
He said the governor showed appreciation to six Imo indigenes who are members of the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s national women’s team, announcing a donation of N5 million for each of them “for their superlative performance at the just concluded African Women’s Football tournament held in Morocco”.
