A seven-storey investment building being built by the Borno State Government in Abuja is expected to be completed in six months time, contractors handling the project told Governor Kashim Shettima on Tuesday at the construction site. The project, obviously the tallest in its neighborhood like a mini tower, was awarded by Shettima’s administration in on January 2, 2014 at the cost of N4.5 billion with deadline set for July 2, 2016.
Borno had been without landmark investment building in Abuja even though land was allocated to the State over ten years ago as previous administrations failed to utilize the 8,700 square meters plot as a result of which the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA, wanted to withdraw the allocation in a commercially viable area around the Federal Ministry of Justice in the Central Area of the FCT.
Governor Shettima’s administration however secured the plot, completed documentation, awarded contract and mobilized contractors to execute an ultra modern building with ten floors including a paint office and basement to accommodate about 70 cars to be used by corporate bodies who rent offices on completion of the building.
Shettima visited the site of the project on Tuesday shortly before his return to Maiduguri. The Governor was amazed on finding out that structural works have been completed to 98 percent level with the building already at its seventh and final floor.
Supervisor of the project, Alhaji Mohammed Makinta who conducted Governor Shettima round the seven floors and other sections of the building, said he was very confident that the project would be completed in six months which is weeks ahead of its schedule especially with the kind of commitment displayed by Shettima.
Makinta said the building is expected to have a uniquely furnished lobby, spacious and tastefully furnished luxurious offices spread in 10 floors that include the basement, ground floor and seven suspended floors and a roof top building; three lifts to be imported from Turkey, two restaurants, two boreholes with a water treatment plant to make the water drinkable, a central air-conditioning system, four stand-by power generators and parking areas to accommodate 96 cars.
“To say that I am impressed with what I have seen here today is an understatement. Our challenges of Boko Haram attacks and the expenditures we have undertaken as well as the reconstructions, rehabilitation and reintegration ahead of us, coupled with the general economic crunch will insha Allah not stop us from continuing to fund this project, we will not relent insha Allah until Borno gets a landmark investment edifice in Abuja like other States have here so that we reposition Borno’s fortunes and invest in our future as a people” Governor Shettima said after assessing the level of works at the site.
