Enugu — Major stakeholders in Enugu North Senatorial Zone, have called on the Federal Government to include construction of a dam in Adada River and an airport in the state in the 2010 budget.

The stakeholders, at the meeting convened by Senator Ayogu Eze, also demanded for the setting up of a skill acquisition centre, to train youths in various trades, to curb unemployment.

They said the damming of the river for which feasibility studies had been concluded at a cost of N3.7billion, would boost the economy of the area.

The zone, which also called for establishment of tertiary health institution, lamented the relocation of ESUT Teaching Hospital from the area to Enugu by the immediate past administration in the state, adding that the area was in dire need of Federal Government presence, because the only notable government presence was the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

They commended Eze for "his doggedness in ensuring that the area received adequate representation," and requested for more development, to enable the area maintains its pride of place.

Commissioner for Local government matters in the state, Prof. Frank Asogwa, told the gathering that the country stood to benefit a lot, if the dam is included in the federal budget.