Some 40 years after its conception, work has finally started on Agulu Lake Resort in Anambra, with the State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, vowing to deliver it before handing over power next March. The Resort is located a stone throw away from the world famous Agulu Lake, a popular tourist attraction.

Speaking during his visit to the site where clearing and other preliminary work had started, Governor Obi said the project was in line with the policy of his administration to develop all sectors simultaneously as encapsulated in the Anambra State Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS).

Full of hope for the future of Agulu Lake Resort, Obi said: “You know I am a corporate man. Many corporations approach me on daily bases to hold their AGM in Awka but lack of facilities is one of major constraint. With the Agulu Lake Hotel Resort, the capital territory will not only boast of an internationally standard hotel but will also have a hotel located in one of the best areas for such purpose.”

The governor vowed to personally supervise the project because of its strategic importance and huge economic and employment potentials for the state.

He recalled that the resort was first conceived in the early 1970s together with the Oguta Lake Resort (Imo) and Nike Lake Resort (Enugu) during the days of the defucnt Eastern Region and regretted that while the other two had since been achieved, Agulu Lake Resort remained a dream until now.

Obi also inspected the two old bridges at the Agulu Lake Bypass and said that new strong bridges would be constructed to replace them. He also promised to expand the access road to the hotel to contain the anticipated increase in traffic the resort centre would create.

When completed, the hotel which is being constructed by a Chinese company, will boast modern facilities including an International Conference Centre.

Speaking with journalists, the Commissioner for Works, Arch. Calistus Ilozumba, said that the Anambra State EXCO would want the project to be completed as soon as possible due to its tremendous benefits to the state.

•Photo shows Gov. Obi (middle) flanked by the Commissioner for Works, Arc. Callistus Ilozumba (left) and Arc. Innocent Okpanum (right), during the inspection of the progress of work on Agulu Lake Hotel Resort.