Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The administration of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved the construction of a Five-Star Hotel in Enugu City.
Engr. Gerald Otiji, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, disclosed this in Enugu at the end of the State Executive Council meeting, adding that the hotel would be cited at the International Conference Centre, Independence Layout, Enugu.
The conference center, which was started by former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani’s government had been abandoned by successive administrations in the state.
Otiji further said that the State Executive Council also approved the investment and 60 per cent of the United Palm Produce Limited (UPPL) which is a state property in three locations, at Ugwuoba in Oji-River Local Government Area, Mkpologu- Umulokpa in Uzo-Uwani and Ibite-Olo in Ezeagu Local Government Area.
According to him, the plantation covered 7000 hectares of Palm.
He added that the state government was bringing 60 per cent, while the investors would bring N22 billion in upgrading the facility to a world class standard with the asset totalling about N100 billion.
”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,” Otiji said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Mmadueke, said that the importance of the hospitality industry and tourism industry in Enugu State can never be over-emphasised.
“There is the need for that 5-Star hotel, especially with the International Conference center and International airport.
“Part of the reason 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 including 380 rooms, swimming pool, restaurant, dining, gaming centers among others.
The Commissioner expressed confidence that the five-star hotel would boost the economy of Enugu State as the home of “Ndi Igbo.”
The Commissioner also confirmed that renovation work at the Hotel Presidential was currently ongoing.
Mmadueke also said that the Nike Lake Resort would be upgraded to a comfortable 3-star hotel, adding that the state needed about 5,000 keys (hotel rooms) and has not gotten up to 2,000.
