Enugu State Government has approved the construction of a 5-Star hotel with 380 rooms, at the International Conference Center (ICC) premises, Independence layout Enugu.
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure ,Engr. Gerald Otiji, made this known while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday,at Government House,Enugu
He disclosed that the State Executive Council also approved the investment and 60% of the United Palm Produce Limited (UPPL) which is a state property in three locations, at Ugwuoba in Oji-River Local a govt Area, , Mkpologu , Umulokpa in Uzo-Uwani and Ibite -Olo in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
Otiji said the plantation covers 7,000 hectares of Palm. He added that the state government is bringing 60% and the investors are bringing N22 billion’ in upgrading the facility to a world class facility , with the asset totalling about N100Billion.
On other issues the Council deliberated on, the Commissioner said, ,” We also deliberated on the monitoring of Smart Schools and other areas where we still need the Smart schools and encourage all contractors to continue doing the right thing”..
Pix: Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi mm
Throwing more light on the approval for construction of a 5-Star hotel in Enugu, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Mmadueke, said ,” the importance of the hospitality industry and tourism industry in Enugu state can never be overemphasized. There is the need for that 5-Star hotel, especially with the International Conference center and International airport,” Mmadueke said .
Explaining the reason for the approval of 5-Star hotel , the Commissioner said, “part of the reasons why we have not had any other International flight coming to Enugu is because, they don’t believe in any of the hotels we have here . So, the need for this hotel can never be over emphasised.
” Now, this hotel had been awarded to Çhina Construction and Communication Company(CCCC). It is expected that it will be completed in 12 months, ” she said.
According to her, the hotel will have world class amenities,,380 rooms, , beautiful swimming pool, restaurant,gyms, dining, gaming centers among others. She stressed that the 5- Star hotel will boost the economy of Enugu state as the home of “Ndi Igbo” .
Pix:-From L-R -Dr Obi Ozor, Dame Ugochi Mmadueke, Engr. Gerald Otiji ,Hon. Patrick Ubru
She also said the contract was awarded to Çhina Construction Company( CCC) and will be completed in 12 months.
Fielding questions from newsmen, the Commissioner said renovation of Hotel Presidential is on going and it had 100 rooms .
On state government ‘s plans for Nike Lake resort, Mmadueke said Nike Lake resort will be upgraded to a comfortable 3- star hotel. She added that the state needs about 5,000 keys( hotel rooms) and has not gotten up to 2,000.
Pix- Commissioner for Tourism,Dame Ugochi Mmadueke
On Agriculture, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Patrick Ubru said, the state government recently signed a N100billion deal with Pragmatic Palms Ltd to revitalize the United Palm Produce Limited( (UPPL). He said the state has 60% ownership of the company He noted that the revitalizing of UPPL will create jobs, more assets, boost the economy of the state and move the GDP from the current $4.4 billion to $30 Billion..
Pix- Hon. Patrick Ubru, Commissioner for Agriculture
Ubru said plans were on the way to revitalize cashew plantation . He disclosed that about 563 hectares of land covered by cashew belongs to the state government. He added that the state Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah has given an approval for development of Cocoa plantation, as well as cassava production.
Pix: Dr. Obi Ozor, Commissioner for Transport
On his part, the commissioner for transport ,Dr. Obi Ozor, spoke on transport infrastructure projects(TIP) initiative.
He said Enugu Central stations will be located opposite Holy Ghost,another one Gariki, Abakpa, and Nsukka,The Commissioner said, “the state Governor had started earnestly on transport infrastructure projects(TIP) initiative that covers the Enugu Central station which is situated opposite Holy Ghost,Gariki Central station, Abakpa Central station and Nsukka Central station, which are all partz of Government ‘s efforts to bring about affordable , efficient and sustainable transportation system in the state and using transport as a key grow driver to grow the economy from the current $4.4billion to $30 billion .
“As you have already heard, the Enugu state government has been in a partnership with the Nigerian Railway Corporation and had done all the needful in terms of compensation, in terms of stakeholder engagement and is still open to any support that can help alleviate some of the challenges that is being faced by the Business Owners who make their living there and the government has promised to complete that project within a 12 month spa.and then businesses are all getting right of first refusal to do their business.
“Main vision there is ,Enugu has an opportunity to revitalize that Ogbete axis to be the down town and the commercial center of the state. Both of course, 18 hectares of the land opposite Holy Ghost and approximately, 30 hectares of the land that we have at the market . if the state is able to fix all those infrastructure there, it will allow them to have a place where people can go ahead and do their businesses and make a living. So, it’s a commendable project and just part of phase one”, Ozor said..
Giving hope to the people of the state,the Commissioner said, “this democratic dividend is expected to reach other parts of the state . Whether it’s in the 9Th mile or in Agbani and other critical parts of the state”, Ozor said.
Pix: Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure,, Engr. Gerald Otiji
Speaking on roads construction, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr Gerald Otiji ,said for the past six weeks some contractors had been having issues with purchasing of stones from Ebonyi state Some of them were caught up with the face -off between the government and Quarry Association and the strike by lorry Owners. He said all these issues resulted to slow pace of work
He assured that the state government will complete the projects.
Engr. Otiji , explained more on the 5-Star hotel. He said most International flights sign for the comfort of their pilots and crew members. There are some things they search for, so ,instead of going to contractors to seek for those things, they go to 5-Star hotel where they can get the things they look out.
Author:: Maureen Ikpeama
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