The government of Imo State has approved N348 million for the construction of a modern abattoir facility at Naze, near Owerri, in an effort to create a clean and safe environment for meat processing.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the state Commissioner for information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, disclosed this at a press conference after Wednesday’s executive council meeting presided over by Gov. Hope Uzodimma at the Government House, Owerri.

Emelumba said the government was concerned with the unhealthy environment of the old Abattoir at Egbu, which had become an unfit for slaughtering animals meant for human consumption.

According to him, the old abattoir at Egbu would imminently be shut down while the butchers would be relocated to the newly approved site.

He further stated that the government had consequently marked the abattoir at Egbu for immediate demolition in order to prevent any possible outbreak of disease.

He noted that the council also approved the construction of Ogwogoroanya – Avutu Road leading to the home of former governor, late Sam Mbakwe, as a way of honouring him.

“In approving this road, Council noted that late Sam Mbakwe served the state selflessly and by records available to Government, did not steal any money.

“Government is pleased to give him all the honour that he deserves; that is why in addition to renovating his house, the road leading to his home is reconstructed in his name, so that anyone passing through the road will remember that this is the road leading to his house,” he said.

He expressed the council’s delight over the flag-off of two more signature roads: Orlu-Mgbee-Akokwa- Uga and Owerri -Mbaise-Umuahia, which would bring major economic benefits to the state.

The Commissioner announced the donation of N30 million to six Imo natives among the Super Falcons, who participated in the just concluded Women’s African Cup of Nations in Morocco.

He said the donation followed the Super Falcons’ goalkeeper, Miss Chiamaka Nnadozie from Orlu, who visited the governor earlier on Wednesday.