A’Ibom govt closes Chinese firm over environmental pollution

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Government has permanently closed down a Chinese company, Golden Tripod Company for environmental pollution.

The government had ordered the relocation of the manufacturing company out of the city centre, along Ikot Ekpene road, Uyo, to a suburb over environmental pollution in August.

However, the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who frowned at the illegal reopening of the company despite the directive, ordered that it be closed down permanently.

Speaking on Thursday in Uyo during the State Executive Council meeting, Eno said the company, accused of activities hazardous to human health and the environment will remain shut until an alternative land is allocated for it and other companies at the industrial estate in Itam.

“EXCO frowned at the illegal reopening of the Chinese company Golden Tripod Company, which has been accused of undertaking operations that are hazardous to human health and inimical to the environment. It was resolved that the facility be permanently closed down and an alternative land allocated to them at the industrial estate at Itam,” he said.

The governor also approved the emergency intervention of Afia Nsit Village in Eket Local Government Area, to stop the erosion and reconstruct the destroyed portion of the road.

He announced an additional one-month basic salary for civil servants in December for their Christmas celebration.

He further directed the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Frank Archibong to strictly enforce the extant law of the State House of Assembly, mandating all Principal Officers of Local Government Areas to reside within their council areas.