The Cross River State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivara Esu, says the state will provide incentives to encourage operators of small and medium scale businesses in the state.
Esu made the pledge last Monday in Calabar when he received the members of executive of Cross River chapter of the Association of Table Water Producers of Nigeria in his office.
He said that small and medium enterprises were vital to the growth and development of the state’s economy, hence, the need to encourage them for the general wellbeing of the people.
He acknowledged the challenges of multiple taxation being imposed on these operators and assured that all the government agencies involved would partner to find lasting solution to the problem.
“Over taxation will not allow for prosperity of the SMS businesses in the state.
“If the issues of over-taxation continues table water producers and SMS operators will be forced to relocate to other states or to fold up their business.
“We will not allow that to happen because the SMS businesses have provided employment opportunities to thousands of youths to earn their living,’’ he said.
The deputy governor commended the association for the good conduct by approaching the government peacefully over their challenges, rather than being confrontational.
The state Chairman of the association, Mr Archibong Ironbar, said that there had been considerable reduction in cases of water-borne diseases in the state since the introduction of packaged table water.
He expressed regret that operators had been subjected to multiple taxation by government owned agencies in spite of their contributions to the state’s economy.
“Over 50 per cent of the packaged table water producers have been forced to close their businesses,’’ he said.