From TCNEWS
A shipping magnate and Eze Elect Ohazurume of Nsirimo Amaise Autonomous Community, Ubakala clan in Umuahia South Local government area of Abia State, Dr. Charles Amanze, has said his proposed Indian Bamboo Toothpick Factory Project in Nsirimo would produce about a million cartons of toothpicks per month when operational, with the capacity to engage about 1, 000 skilled and unskilled workers.
According to him, Indian Bamboo, an ideal raw material for toothpick production, abound in Nsirimo forests.
The Eze-Elect who is aspiring to become the Traditional Ruler of Nsirimo Amaise Autonomous Community, revealed during an interaction with newsmen in Umuahia, that when realized, the factory would not only boost and sustain the economy of Nsirimo Amaise Autonomous Community, but would equally impact positively on the state in general.
“The Indian Bamboo Toothpick Factory Project is aimed at harnessing our community’s abundant bamboo resources to create jobs, stimulate economic growth and promote sustainable development,” he said.
Siting the factory at Nsirimo Amaise, he noted, would attract other investments to the area which would further boost economic growth of the community.
Apart from the economic gains, including increased local revenue, he said the factory would promote sustainable forestry practices, reduce environmental hazards and help to conserve natural resources.
Sadly, he identified lack of access roads to the community, public potable water supply and other infrastructure as major factors hindering the industrialization of the community.
He revealed that lack of motorable roads has accounted for why his plan to establish a toothpick manufacturing facility in the community has been in limbo as hitherto enthusiastic investors interested in the project were no longer showing serious commitment, citing lack of infrastructure.
Dr. Amanze listed factors militating against the industrialization of Nsirimo Amaise community to include lack of access roads and other infrastructure and appealed to the state government, Umuahia South Local Government and other government interventionist agencies to come to the aid of the community by creating access roads and building other infrastructure in the community.
He said that the community was ready to partner or collaborate with interested corporate bodies and individual investors to realize the industrialization objectives of the community which would open it up to modern development.
“The proposed Indian Bamboo Toothpick Factory Project is a beacon of hope for Nsirimo Amaise Autonomous Community. Together, let’s unlock the potential of our bamboo resources and build a brighter future,” he said.
Recall that last May, while congratulating the state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on his giant strides in transforming the state within one year in office, especially his road revolution across the state which has seen dilapidated roads fixed and new ones built, the Eze-Elect appealed to the Governor to remember Nsirimo Amaise in his road development agenda.
According to the Royal High Prince, farmers from the agrarian community were not reaping commensurate economic benefits from their toil as lack of access roads has made it difficult for them to evacuate their farm produce to nearby urban centres. Consequently, he said the people were suffering avoidable losses.