A cross-section of entrepreneurs in Aba has expressed worry that self-sourced power cannot sustain their businesses, saying the cost is becoming unbearable for them.
The entrepreneurs, who include those in the hospitality industry, eateries, garment and leather industry, shopping malls, and hospitals, spoke to LEADERSHIP in Aba, the state’s business hub.
They appealed to the state government and the management of Aba Integrated Independent Power Company to come to their rescue before they were driven out of business.
The entrepreneurs were reacting to statements made by the governor, Alex Otti during a facility tour of the moribund Star Paper Mill Ltd, Aba, along Aba-Owerri Road.
Otti, who regretted that the once popular mill is no longer in production due to lack of power, assured that soon it will bounce back as he has been involved in its revitalization.
According to the governor, in the last six months, the government have been engaging other stakeholders on how to resuscitate the mill owned by a popular business family..
“Hopefully, before the end of the year, we will be able to have a landing. When I was growing up around here, the mill was a behemoth of activities and operated on 24-hour basis,” he added.
He urged Geometric Powers Ltd to make extensive efforts in making power available to Factory Road and other industrial hubs in the town to bring the industries back to life.
