The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Delta, Mrs Mary Iyasere, says the state government is establishing fish mills to boost fish production and reduce cost of fish feed in the state.

Iyasere said this on Saturday in Asaba when she led a delegation of Chinese investors on an inspection tour of the ‘Central SMART market’ in Owa Alero.

The delegation also visited Fish Feed farm in, Owanta Alizomor, both in Ika North East Local Government Area of the state

According to her, the feed mills will be run on Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative, which will allow the private firm to a holding of 45 per cent.

“The Bank of Industry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the financing and running of the fish farm.”

Iyasere said that the establishment of the projects were aimed at increasing the per capital base of the state.

She said that the inclusion of markets in the scheme of infrastructural development was in line with the ‘SMART’ agenda of the State Government.

The commissioner, who also inspected the ‘Orerokpe Modern SMART Market’ in Okpe Local Government Area, said the construction of markets would promote trade and development in the state.

“The Orerokpe market is being constructed by the state government at a cost of about N300 million.”

The commissioner, however, called on local governments to be responsible for the maintenance of the markets and urged traders to make effective use of the markets instead of engaging in streets trading.

Earlier, the Project Consultant, Mr Aldophus Ojobo, explained that the feed mills were particularly established to produce a variety of feed.

“The factory section will be completed and in the next few weeks, equipment will be available and the samples will be ready.

“There is a 500KVA generator to power operations, there is also steady supply of potable water.” Ojobo said.

He said the Orerokpe modern SMART market, Okpe with water treatment plants and proper drainage is expected to last for 200 years except in case of natural disaster. (NAN)