Jalingo --------------- The Taraba State Government says it has begun sensitisation of Kakara community over the privitisation of the Karara Beverages, producers of the Highland Tea.

The government had proposed the privitisation of Karara Beverages, the producers of the Highland Tea, located on the Mambila Plateau, in Sardauna LGA of the state, to a private company.

Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Taraba Investment and Property Development limited, TIPDL, Mr Ezekiel Iliya, spoke while addressing newsmen in Jalingo on Sunday.

Iliya said that the exercise was to educate the people on the benefits they would derive at the end of the sensitiisation and privatisation of the beverage firm, adding that the state government would own 30 per cent assets while the remaining 70 would be privatised.

According to Iliya, the host community preferred foreigners to manage the company than Nigerian investors.

His words, “We are happy that the host communities have welcomed the idea of the privatisation.

“They have told us that they are all happy with the development, because it is what is happening in the whole world today.

“Government is not selling the company to an individual as speculated.

“Nothing changes in the company, 30 per cent will be for government while 70 will be privatised.

” This will improve profitability, productivity, efficiency and job opportunities for the benefit of Tarabans."

He said  government was proposing to privatise the company, to ensure proper and efficient management devoid of interference and bureaucracies, and  urged the general public to disregard rumours that Mambila Beverages Nig. Limited belonged to a particular community.

"These are rumours by mischief makers who aim at creating dissatisfaction and raising unnecessary tension among members of the public," he added.