The neighbouring towns of Uga in Aguata Local Government Area and Akwa-Ihedi in Nnewi South Local Government Area, both in Anambra State, have become over N90 million richer courtesy of compensation by the State Government for a piece of land taken from the communities for the construction of a proposed Industrial Park.

Disclosing this in Awka, the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Hon. Ifeatu Onejeme, explained that the compensation was essentially for communities whose lands have been acquired for the sole purpose of building the said park.

He said that the proposed park will cover an expansive spread of the land covering about 171 hectares.

Onejeme advised the traditional rulers of the concerned communities nestling between Uga and Akwa-Ihedi towns to reach out to the Ministry of Land, headed by Hon. Stella Onuorah to finalise arrangements on the payment of the planned compensation.

Explaining further, the commissioner noted that the proposed Industrial Park was in sync with the overall economic blueprint of the State Government, which is anchored on Agriculture, Trade and Commerce, Industrialisation and Oil and Gas.

In his words, “The proposed Industrial Park falls within the ambit of industrialisation, which is a major pillar in Governor Obiano’s economic blueprint for the state.

“The Obiano administration is determined to turn Anambra into a centre of industrial excellence.”

According to Onejeme, the administration had also perfected plans to provide captive power to industrial clusters to ensure a stable industrial base for the state adding that with the commencement of construction work at the $150m UDIPPCO gas-powered plant at Umerum that would generate 80 megawatts of electricity, the hope of providing captive power for industries was a realistic one.

“There is also the proposed 100 megawats gas-powered electricity plant that is being planned by Falcon Corporation Limited.

“When these two power plants are fully operational which is not far from now, Anambra will become the industrial powerhouse that it was meant to be,” he enthused

It would be recalled that since he assumed office on March 17, 2014, Governor Willie Obiano has demonstrated his resolve to make Anambra the epic entre of manufacturing and industrial activities east of the Niger.

So far, Obiano administration has attracted investments estimated at $3bn out of which the industrial sector alone has to its kitty the sum of $140m.

•Photo shows Governor Obiano.