By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
The governor of Akwa Ibom has set September 2026 for the official inauguration of the ARISE Palm Resort, charging contractors handling the project to accelerate work at the site ahead of the date.
Pastor Umo Eno, who stated this, Friday, while fielding questions from Government House correspondents after an inspection tour of the Resort along Dominic Utuk Avenue in Uyo, noted that the ARISE Palm Resort, when inaugurated and put to use, would redefine tourism in the State, expressing optimism that the landmark tourism project would be ready for inauguration in September.
He noted that the current pace of work had boosted his confidence in the contractors’ commitment, but, however, emphasised that adverse weather must not be allowed to affect the delivery timeline.
The governor assured that the resort facility will be run in its full capacity to realise its expected lofty objectives with effective maintenance strategy already put in place.
“I believe we can do this in September. We have two months to tidy up, and the rains should not be an excuse.
“Government has already developed sustainability mechanisms for all major projects under the ARISE Agenda,” he stated and lamented that many public facilities across Africa deteriorate because maintenance is rarely prioritised after commissioning. He assured residents that the new resort would be professionally managed to preserve its quality and economic value.
Managing director of the contracting firm, Bulletine Construction Company, Chief Faysal Harb, assured the governor that operators would progressively take over completed facilities from August, with apartments and restaurants already nearing completion ahead of the formal inauguration.
Destination marketing manager for the project, Mrs. Stella Fubara, hinted that marketing efforts were already in full swing, as discussions with operators, vendors and potential workforce had long commenced.
Discussion about this post