Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo has said despite meeting all the requirements to set up a granite factory, they were never given the nod to proceed by the national government.
“We had done the feasibility study, the environmental impact assessment and we had handed the report to the government to implement it. So I wonder when some people accuse me of not trying to create job opportunities,” Ottichilo said on Sunday in Emuhaya.
Ottichilo added that he had even invited investors to set up the factory but some of the investors were arrested.
“If the national government cannot set up the factory they should give me the permission to do so,”he said.
Ottichilo said he can lobby for investors from China or Italy to set up the factory in Emuhaya and sub-factories in Maragoli South and Hamisi.
“Once the factory is in place, we are going to experience economic growth in our county and most of our youths will be employed,” Ottichilo said.
He said the factory will promote small businesses that will boost Vihiga’s economy.
The governor urged the residents to invest in Vihiga to discourage youths from leaving the county in search of jobs elsewhere.
“Our county is battling with capital flight because most investors with financial muscles are investing outside,” he said.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
