...Inability to complete Ibom Tropicana due to poor allocation


Akwa Ibom State Government has again reiterated its commitment to ensuring commencement of operations at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, before the expiration of the year, 2018.

The State Commissioner for Housing and Special Duties, Mr Akan Okon, gave this indication, yesterday, when he featured as guest on a popular Online Television Platform, Passion TV.

Continuing, the former Finance Commissioner revealed that the State Government has cleared all outstanding payments to the Construction Company, adding, significant progress have been recorded at the facility, which he assured will be opened before this year runs out.

"If you go to Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene, you'll notice that there are significant changes there. Everything is being done to ensure the Hotel is opened. Governor Udom Emmanuel does not play politics with development, that's why he has made all outstanding payments to the management of that Hotel and even the construction firm, outstanding work has been done.

"The little delay we had was that the initial Company, Starwood, was responsible for running the Hotel, but they were recently acquired by a certain Group. You know when there are issues of mergers and acquisition, there are lots of house keeping work that needs to be done to integrate the new company into the existing one. That's the process we are now. But I want to tell you that as far as that hotel is concerned, it's going to be up and running this year", he said.

When quizzed on the completion of Ibom Tropicana, Mr Akan Okon said the State Government had difficulties completing several projects, due to dwindling resources, but however expressed optimism that all cases of uncompleted works in the State will be addressed as soon as possible.

"You're talking about Tropicana, I have told you that government resources was significantly affected by the downward turn in oil prices. If it was a time we used to receive a lot of money, maybe we would have completed it.

"For example, if you used to get N40b as allocation and some points, it dropped to N2b, you can imagine the margin. But things are picking up, so I'm very sure that the issue of uncompleted projects will be tackled soon", he maintained.

He said Governor Udom Emmanuel is not lagging behind in his responsibilities to the people, despite dwindling resources, and cited the Free and Compulsory Education, payment of WAEC Fees, prompt payment of workers' salaries and construction of the second Runway at the Ibom International Airport, as some giant strides recorded by the State Government.

Mr Akan Okon who lauded the State Chief Executive for his sterling performance in Housing, also commended the Governor's Wife, Mrs Martha Emmanuel, for her positive impacts on women and youths in the State, saying many lives have been bettered through her pet project, the Family Empowerment and Youth Reorientation Programme (FEYReP).

The Commissioner also said Governor Emmanuel was working round the clock, to address the lingering crisis in Ukanafun and Etim Ekpo LGAs, and solicited for more support, for the Governor, to enable him deliver on his campaign promises to the people.

By Uwakmfon Dan, Uyo