Industrialists in Awka North LGA Bemoan Lack of Power Supply, Access Road, Seek Government Intervention

By Great Chidubem

Industrialists operating in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State have identified lack of electricity, access road and high cost of diesel as some of the challenges hampering their manufacturing activities in the area.

Some of the manufacturers in the area who spoke with AnambraDaily on the economic situation in the area called for urgent intervention from the Federal and Anambra state governments on their plights.

Awka North, plays host to several local manufacturing companies which produce various products competing favourably with the foreign ones. However, recent checks by this paper reveals that industries operating in the area have been struggling to survive the worsening economic climate in the country.

For instance, a food and beverage factory, established six years ago at Achalla, headquarters of Awka North local government has been operating solely on power generator as it was yet to get power supply from the national grid.

Chief Kingsely Ughamadu disclosed that the high cost of gas which suddenly rose from about N300 to N800 per liter have continued to be a major set back to the factory that has about sixty five workers .

Chief Ughamadu revealed that the situation has adversely affected their production capacity.

He noted with dismay that the aim of establishing the factory, is almost defeated due to harsh economic conditions.

Another small scale medium business owner, Architect Kenechukwu Agbafune who produces PVC, Pressure , Waste and Conduit pipes as well as other plastics narrated that operating for four years without having power supply from government was a major blow to the company that have about one hundred and twenty staff.

Mr Agbafune regretted that competing with other industries that have access to public power supply, good road and friendly economic policies have been a major factor discouraging local manufacturing companies in the area.

A stakeholder in the area , Chief Shedrack Anakwue, regretted that local companies that should be opening up the area were closing down due to unfavorable business climate.

He identified poor road network, lack of steady power supply, high cost of diesel and other materials as some of the issues that need to be addressed by both the Federal and Anambra state governments to sustain local manufactures and small businesses across the country.

Chief Anakwue however encouraged youths to delve into production of local goods and products relevant to the society rather than waiting for white collar jobs.