The leadership of Imo Hotels Association has raised alarm over the current challenges bedevilling the operations of hotels as a result of the ongoing electricity blackout.
This reaction is coming following the directives by the Electricity Workers for a strike because of the rough handling and arrest of their leader, Comrade Joe Ajaero which commenced immediately after the scuffle
Briefing newsmen in Owerri on Saturday, the Chief Servant of Imo Hotels Association, Chima Chukwunyere said that the situation if not immediately addressed would lead to the complete shutdown of many hotels in the state.
He declared that the Imo Hotel Association has no hand in the State Government and Labour scuffle that resulted in the rough handling of the NLC president Comrade Ajaero in the state
While blaming the cause of the blackout in the state on what transpired between the Labour national leader and Imo State government, the leadership of Hotels called for an amicable resolution of the matter to avert whatever danger that may come out of it.
Chukwunyere disclosed that already many hotels have shut down their business while some are on the verge of shutting down due to the blackout being experienced while describing it as an added suffering on the people coupled with high cost of fuel and other hardship facing the people.
While he appealed to the State government to immediately come to the negotiating table and resolve the matter with the Labour in order to stop further untold hardship, the Chief Servant reminded the Labour of the fact that it is the poor people that is bearing the brunt of the strike
He said: “The continued blackout, may be the final burial of hotels in Imo State. We are crying to the Governor to save the hotel industry before it dies”.
He reminded the Governor of his earlier remarks on the Hotel Industry in the state, adding that the government’s quick move to resolve the issue would mean well for people.
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