AKHA COMMITTEE COMMENDS PROGRESS ON IBOM INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, INTERNATIONAL HOTEL, ARISE SHOPPING CITY PROJECTS

AKHA COMMITTEE COMMENDS PROGRESS ON IBOM INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE, INTERNATIONAL HOTEL, ARISE SHOPPING CITY PROJECTS

By | Nsikak Akpan

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Special Projects, Monitoring and Implementation has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on three major infrastructure projects in the state, commending Governor Umo Eno for reviving the projects and ensuring the timely release of funds for their completion.

The Committee, led by its Chairman and Member Representing Mkpat Enin State Constituency, Hon. Uwem Imoh-Ita, gave the commendation during an on-the-spot assessment of the Ibom International Convention Centre, Ibom International Hotel and ARISE Shopping City to ascertain the level of work completed, evaluate the quality of materials being used and ensure that the projects meet the aspirations of the people of Akwa Ibom State.

At the Ibom International Convention Centre, the Project Manager, Engr. Antoinne Nakhle, informed the Committee that the facility will feature a 5,000-seat main auditorium, office spaces and a technical building. He disclosed that all materials required for the completion of the project are already on site and expressed confidence that the convention centre will be ready for delivery by September.

Responding to concerns over a recent viral video from the construction site, Engr. Nakhle explained that the incident resulted from an act of pilfering and not a structural defect as widely speculated. He stressed that there was no structural failure, no casualty and no threat to the integrity of the building, describing the incident as an act of mischief aimed at sabotaging the project.

The Committee, however, advised the construction company to strengthen security around the project site to prevent a recurrence.

At the Ibom International Hotel, the Project Manager, Mr. Patrick, disclosed that the facility is a 221-room hotel comprising different categories of accommodation. He said the hotel is equipped with 395 solar panels capable of generating about 250 kilowatts of electricity to enhance energy efficiency.

He added that the hotel will feature a reception area, café, lounge, a 1.9-metre-deep swimming pool, gymnasium, industrial kitchen, laundry facility and a banquet hall with a seating capacity of 120 guests. According to him, all installed equipment complies with international hospitality certification standards, while installations are progressing simultaneously across different sections of the facility.

The Committee also visited the ARISE Shopping City project, where the supervising architect, Arch. Chukwuma, representing the Managing Director, Engr. Uwem Okoko, explained that the development is designed as a shopping city rather than a conventional shopping mall.

He described the project as a modern commercial hub that will combine retail, business and recreational activities. According to him, the first phase comprises the main hall, Blocks A, B and C, a pedestrian bus terminal, utility building, cinemas and private viewing areas.

He further disclosed that piling tests had been successfully completed and that ongoing works include ground preparation, construction of the utility building, fire station and perimeter fencing. He added that major external works would commence during the dry season.

Speaking at the various project sites, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Uwem Imoh-Ita, expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded, applauding the contractors for their commitment to quality and timely execution.

He particularly commended Governor Umo Eno for demonstrating the political will to revive and complete projects inherited from previous administrations, noting that the prompt release of funds has significantly accelerated construction activities.

Hon. Imoh-Ita stressed that abandoned projects amount to wasted public resources and commended the contractors for maintaining high construction standards to ensure the durability and sustainability of the projects.

He assured that the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly would continue to appropriate funds for projects that would improve the welfare of the people and drive the state’s economic development.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Engr. Ephraim Udosen, whose ministry supervises the projects, confirmed that all materials required for the completion of the projects were available on site.

He urged contractors to sustain effective collaboration with their workforce through regular coordination meetings to ensure timely completion of the projects.

Engr. Udosen thanked the House Committee for the inspection visit, noting that it would reassure the people of Akwa Ibom State that the projects are progressing steadily and would be completed within schedule.