Akwa Ibom Moves To Build Petrochemical Plant

From Mfon Ekefre, Uyo
Akwa Ibom state government has pledged its readiness to partner with national and international investors to harness the abundant gas deposits in the state for domestic and industrial utilization
Governor, Udom Emmanuel gave the assurance during interaction with a congregation of Christians at Destiny International Mission, Ewet Housing Estate.
He said government has commenced negotiations with the Federal Government and gas exploration giants to embark on the continuation of petrochemical industry within a targeted two year period.
The governor said in the negotiations, his administration was only awaiting the commencement of activities by the minister of petroleum to take up the signing of relevant applications and the approval of interest, adding that the level of talks with gas companies like Exxon Mobil has taken interest to supply needed gas to the expected company.
The governor explained that the part of requirements in the design of the petro-chemical plant was to convince the authorities on the source of gas supply to propel the machinery.
Governor Emmanuel hoped that with the relevant contacts and discussions by his administration, the targets of reactivating most of the ailing industries would be realized to create opportunities for the youth, praying that the success story of the present administration would not be directly the product of availability of funds but that of faith in God.
The governor remarked that since assumption of duties contracts have been awarded to experts on various people-oriented projects and programmes particularly on the rehabilitation of an additional secondary health care institution at Anua.
He assured residents at the Shelter Afrique that work was at the completion stage to ensure the supply of pipe borne water, despite the drainage of water pipes mentioned at a few places.
Also contract has already been awarded to expartriate firms working on underground drainage control in the state capital with impressive successes, adding that it was a delight to understand that there has been stability of electricity supply in recent weeks.
He noted that coupled with the incidents bordering on the resurfacing of crime wave would be nipped in bud with the cooperation of security agencies, calling on the people of the state to pray unceasingly for the administration.