by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, says he is satisfied with the rehabilitation of Hill Station Hotel, Plateau Hotel and the Rwang Pam Stadium – all based in Jos.
While disclosing this on Thursday, shortly after the inspection of the Rwang Pam Township Stadium and the Hill Station Hotel as well as Plateau Hotel, the governor reaffirming his administration’s push to revive key tourism and sports infrastructures in the state.
According to him, “The Plateau Hotel and the Hill Station Hotel were once flagship hotels in Nigeria; and when we came on board, they had been under lock-and-key for close to 10 years. I’m glad; I’m excited that, today, I see light at the end of the tunnel. Serious revival work is going on – preserving history as well as creating the future.”
The governor was optimistic that one of these two hotels will be delivered by the first of October, adding, “This is quite exciting, and I’m sure when this is done, it’s going to be a statement initiative in our tourism initiative.
“You can’t do tourism without standard hospitality infrastructure; and I’m confident that this was a great addition, you know, to the tourism infrastructure that we need to put in place. So, on the whole, I’m happy with what is going on, and I’m sure Plateau people are looking towards it.
“We will be delivered through a public-private partnership. Private sector partners have assured that the first-phase will be ready by October 1,” he stated.
Governor Mutfwang noted that funding will not be a challenge, as the stadium remains a government priority, adding that, “While the pace must improve, quality will not be compromised.”
According to him, “Despite what you hear in the news – about security challenges – Plateau is ready for business and our people are resilient,” he said, and described the revival of the hotel as a “statement initiative” for tourism in Plateau, aimed at preserving the legacy of the properties, while building new tourism infrastructure.
The governor disclosed that, the project is part of a broader plan to grow the state’s economy beyond federal allocation, with other major infrastructure deliveries expected before the year ends.
Also, some residents expressed their joy and happiness in the sites, and appreciate the resumption of work, saying the two hotels were once “flagship hospitality destinations” in Nigeria.
The Rwang Pam Stadium has reached 60 percent completion, and is expected to be handed over in September. The governor expressed satisfaction with the quality of work but urged contractors to speed-up delivery.
In the same vein, Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Sylvanus Donate, affirmed that “The stadium is about 60% completed. The initial May handover was shifted to August due to challenges, and the new target is now end of August, with a realistic handover in September.
“The stadium is being remodeled at the capacity of 12,500, by the standard. Construction is to international standards, with daily supervision on concrete mix, reinforcement and other specifications.
“The contractors plan to use the August break to avoid rain delays and increase labor on the pitch goal, while the administration wants the NPFL season to kick-off at the venue, and for Jos to host Super Eagles and other international matches again.”
The commissioner further explained that, they are on the site daily to ensure specifications are met and has invited architects and engineers to conduct an integrity test. “The structure will stand the test of time,” he noted.
Rwang Pam Township Stadium is Plateau’s main sports venue. Bringing it to CAF/FIFA standard has been a major demand to enable NPFL teams from Jos to play home games and for Nigeria to host international fixtures in the state.
The concessionaire for Plateau Hotel said the first-phase will be ready for commissioning on October 1, after what began as a “renovation” became near-total reconstruction.
The CEO Avia Global and President, Mr. Kudla Satumari Haske, who is also head of Plateau Hospitality and Management Services, said the company took over the facility about 18 months ago.
“What started as a renovation turned into almost a full reconstruction. We essentially started from scratch on most of it,” Haske said.
He said major reconstruction has been completed on the main buildings, restaurants and the administrative block. Phase-one will cover parts of the heritage site, the amphitheater, the rock garden, and a number of guest rooms.
“Other facilities in progress include a swimming pool built to standard, and about three event and relaxation spots overlooking the city from the hills.
“We are already getting a lot of inquiries for reservations and events. So, work is running on multiple fronts at once,” Haske added, while describing the standard of work as “comparable to any standard you will find anywhere in the world.”
Mr. Haske also commended Governor Mutfwang for driving revival efforts across tourism, agriculture, mining and aviation, describing him as a “hands-on, futuristic leader.”