The Chairman of Shendam Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, has disclosed that construction of the Shendam Standard Hotel in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State is 40 per cent complete.
The project is designed to Partner with Continental among other top not hotels and aslo to provide accommodation for Shendam residents visiting Nasarawa State and Abuja for official engagements, while generating sustainable revenue for the council.
Nshe disclosed this during an inspection attended by stakeholders, lawmakers, representatives of the Plateau State Government and other local government chairmen.
He explained that the facility originated as 13 flats constructed during the administration of former chairman Sebastian Bukhari but had remained in existence for over 20 years. The council subsequently negotiated with the occupants and provided alternative accommodation to pave the way for redevelopment.
Nshe said the project was expected to be completed within six months, adding that his administration was committed to investing public funds in sustainable ventures.
“The best I can give back to them is to ensure that they are comfortable,” he said.
The chairman said the completed facility would feature 84 en-suite rooms, event halls, a restaurant, laundry services, a swimming pool, a lounge and a gym. He expressed optimism that the facility could attract an established hospitality brand and generate substantial revenue.
“We are not thinking of taking the money, but we are thinking of investing the money,” he said, urging the media to report the project’s progress and areas requiring improvement.
The project consultant, Engr. Lawi Abdalla of ATM EARTH Creatives, expressed confidence that construction would be completed within six months, citing workers’ commitment despite rainy-season challenges. He said the terrain required stronger reinforcement materials and extensive retaining walls to ensure the building’s stability.
The member representing Shendam Constituency in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Joe Bukar, commended Nshe for the initiative, describing it as a visionary investment capable of generating revenue and creating employment opportunities.
Bukar said the project reflected the Plateau State Government’s The Time Is Now mantra and would provide lasting benefits to the people of Shendam.
The Governor’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Rt. Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, described the project as an investment in the future, noting that it could reduce the council’s dependence on federal allocations.
He urged the contractor to ensure timely completion and encouraged local government chairmen to collaborate and share ideas on sustainable development and revenue generation.
Similarly, the Chairman of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, Hon. Stephen Pwajok, commended Nshe, describing the project as a potential source of revenue and accommodation for Plateau indigenes visiting Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of other chairmen, Pwajok also praised Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for supporting development across the 17 local government areas, expressing hope that the project would inspire similar initiatives across the state.
