Ebonyi to begin production of ventilators to contain COVID-19 spread
The Governor of Ebonyi state, David Umahi, has revealed the preparedness of his administration to kick-start the production of ventilators and electric tricycles that will be used in the COVID-19 isolation centres and conveying of people in the state.
The governor, who spoke to journalists in Abakaliki through his Special Assistant on Vocational college, Mrs. Adaeze Nwaji, during a courtesy visit by the Rachal Umahi Women Campaign Group against the spread of COVID-19 that took place at the Centenary City, Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state capital.
The governor said the decision to commence the production of ventilators in the state was to avert delay in the tackling of the spread of COVID-19.
Nwaji noted that the governor has directed the department of automobile and foundry of the college to do everything possible to ensure that such plans is actualised within the shortest period.
“Ebonyi vocational college can produce ventilators. Producing ventilators is not impossible. We keep trying until we get it right. We have already started doing it as you can see.
He further stated that the college equally has started producing thousands of electric tricycles to cushion the effect of lack of transportation in the state, especially in the face of the ban on the operation of commercial motorcycle riders.
He said: “We are at the verge of producing the first electric tricycle. We want to stop importing. If you walk down to automobile workshop, you will see our workers are working tirelessly to ensure this is achieved.
“The last time the governor visited the college, he said that if China can produce electric tricycle and ventilators, then the college can as well produce them.
“Most of the things we do, are being supported by the governor. We want to raise people that will become employers of labour.”
The college however, donated over 4, 000 face masks, sanitizers and other assistance to assist the governor’s wife, Rachael Umahi in her campaign against the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
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Earlier in a remark, Dr. Ngozi Obichukwu, who is a leader of the group, applauded the efforts of the college to support the campaign against the spread of COVID-19.
“Through the college, some of the hazards of not wearing face masks is over. They have been producing the face marks and sharing to our women.
“This has helped our women, especially in preventing of the spread of COVID-19 in the state,” she stated.
