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The Shendam Local Government Council of Plateau State is investing in a standard hotel in Karu, Nasarawa State, to boost internally generated revenue, create employment opportunities and provide accommodation for residents visiting Abuja and its environs.

The Shendam Guest House, which is currently 40 per cent complete, is expected to partner with Continental Hotels and other top hospitality brands to ensure professional service delivery and sustainable returns for the council.

The council chairman, Hon. Dr. Nicholas Kemi Nshe, disclosed this during an inspection of the project attended by lawmakers, government representatives, stakeholders and other local government chairmen.

Nshe explained that the project involved redeveloping an old facility comprising 13 flats constructed during the administration of former chairman Sebastian Bukhari more than two decades ago.

He said the council negotiated with the occupants and arranged alternative accommodation to pave the way for construction, adding that the project was expected to be completed within six months.

The facility will feature 84 en-suite rooms, event halls, a restaurant, laundry services, a swimming pool, a lounge and a gym.

Nshe said his administration was focused on investing public funds in sustainable projects that would deliver long-term benefits to the people.

“We are not thinking of taking the money, but we are thinking of investing the money,” he said.

The project consultant, Engr. Lawi Abdalla of ATM EARTH Creatives, expressed confidence that the hotel would be completed within six months, citing the commitment of workers despite challenges posed by the rainy season.

He explained that the nature of 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 jobs.

Bukar said the project aligned with the Plateau State Government’s The Time Is Now mantra and expressed confidence that it would deliver lasting benefits to the people of Shendam.

Also speaking, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Special Duties, Rt. Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, described the project as an investment in the future and urged the contractor to ensure timely completion.

He encouraged local government chairmen to learn from one another and pursue sustainable development initiatives that would strengthen their councils’ financial capacity.

The Chairman of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, Hon. Stephen Pwajok, who spoke on behalf of other council chairmen, commended Nshe for the initiative.

Pwajok said the hotel would provide accommodation for Plateau indigenes visiting Abuja while serving as a potential source of revenue for the council.

He also commended Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for supporting development initiatives across the state’s 17 local government areas, expressing hope that the project would inspire similar investments elsewhere.