AILING INDUSTRIES: CHIME SEEKS ASSISTANCE FROM INVESTORS

By TONY EDIKE
GOVERNOR Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has called on both foreign and local investors to assist the government in the revitalization of ailing industries in the state saying that such intervention was urgently needed to improve the economic fortunes of the state and her citizens.

The governor, who made the call during an inspection tour of Emenite Limited Company, observed that the dismal state of the industries completely negated the good intentions of their founders adding that the government would provide the necessary infrastructures and the conducive environment for investments in them to thrive.

He said, 'It is really disturbing to see these industries in the condition we find them today. I really don't know why they were allowed to be like this. These are establishments that were designed to provide employment for our people and render various services for their benefit but their condition today is a complete negation of such good intentions.'

He expressed delight that the company was operating at full capacity with continuing innovations particularly in its abolishment of asbestos products and their replacement with more durable and health-friendly materials.

The governor, who was accompanied by the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr Jude Akubuilo, pledged to ensure government patronage of the company and directed that all further government housing projects in the state would utilize roofing and other materials produced by the company.

He further promised to ensure that the other state governments in the south east which like Enugu state, hold shares in the company, also patronized the company saying that he would ask them to invite the management of the company to make a presentation at their meetings.

Earlier, while conducting the Governor round the company, the Managing Director Mr Alberto Tenorio explained that serious health hazards associated with asbestos had compelled the company to abolish it since 2000 and called for a law to enforce the ban across the country.

He noted that the company had continued to expand its operations and had ensured that all of its products met approved international standards.

Tenorio called for more patronage from the south east state governments stressing that it had remained consistent in the payment of dividends to the shareholders and meeting all of its obligations to the government.