Following the concession of Imo Palm Plantation and Concorde Hotel by the government of Imo state, the governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has perfected arrangement to pay arrears of salaries, gratuities and severance allowance to staff of the establishments totaling about N1.7 Billion Naira.
The governor who addressed workers of both establishments yesterday at Ahiajoku Convention Center, regretted the insensitivity of the past administration in respect to the welfare of the workers.
He said” It is disheartening that the past administration decided to run the state down by diverting the revenue generated by these establishments and also owed the workers over 18 months of salaries. This smacks insensitivity of a government that ordinarily suppose to take care of its workers”.
Gov. Okorocha explained that the decision to partner with the private sector to reviving those establishments is to ensure optimal productivity and further boost the internally generated revenue for the state.
He further explained that the payment will be made monthly for two years with the first four months paid in a swoop.
The governor added that on payment of the first four months, the workers will be disengage to enable the new management of both establishments recruit workers of their choice under the concession agreement.
Gov. Okorocha, however, directed workers of Imo Palm Plantation to return to the ministry of Agriculture for redeployment.