Akwa Ibom Tropicana is worth N32billion

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties, Austin Mbeh, says the Ibom Tropicanna would cost N32 billion when completed and not N72 billion as being speculated in some quarters.

Mbeh, who made the clarification while fielding questions from newsmen in Uyo, said the speculation was mischievous as it purported to discredit the administration of Governor Godswill Akpabio.
He said the administration's commitment to develop the state should not be taken for granted as it seeks all avenues to reduce costs of projects.

"The cost of the Tropicanna is N32 billion. What you are hearing from me is the authentic information. Anyone who said anything contrary must be lying."
The commissioner, who conducted newsmen around the facilities, said most of the projects like the Ibom Hilton Hotel, Uyo Convention Centre, shopping malls, among others, would be completed this year.
On the Ibom International Airport, the commissioner said that the government expected the air traffic to hit 210,000 as against 187,000 passengers recorded in 2012.

He said the taxi way in the airport as well as hanger for repair, maintenance, and overhauling of aircraft would be ready for use before the end of the year.