Mr Izuchukwu Nwankwo, the president Aba Power Line Shoe Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PSMAN) said that the shoes industry need steady power supply to boost production.
Speaking to newsmen Nwankwo said that the problem of power supply and high cost of materials had chased some members out of the Industry.
The president noted that the problems that are facing the industry are numerous and that some of the problems can be solved with government intervention.
He said, electricity power supply is a big challenge to our industry since and even after the innuguration of the Integrated Power Project (IPP) in the city.
“We have not witness any change in power supply and as an industry we need 24 hours power supply not only to produce but to improve on production.
“Right now, many have revert to manual production as there are no light to power their machines for production.
“As for the problem of power supply, I do not know where to start in narrating the ordeal because we have not seen the effect of the even innugurated IPP,” the president said.
The president thanked the state government for given the people hope and called on them to give much attention to the economy growth of the state.
“Government needed to come to our aid and empower us , if not for any other thing, with electricity power supply.
“We need to have a round table discussion with the government so that, they will help is find solution to some of our challenges.
“The light issue has caused us a lot as producers hardly met up with customers demand and that has become a big issue.
“If the government can come in and take care of the power issue as a responsibility, such will guarantee steady power supply and production will be higher,”Nwankwo said.
The president said that the industry need to have 33 KVS transformer that would supply 24 hours light. to the Manufacturers to ensure steady power supply.
He said the government can still use the industry to reduce crime as the industry would employed more Youths ones empowered.
“Our employment rate dropped due to the high cost of materials and irregular power supply which made some to switch over to Tricycle, Motorcycle and Mini bus operators.
