(Minna)
As parts of measures to diversify the state economy with the intent of improving state finances, Niger state government says it has mapped out plans to beautify and make the Gurara Water Falls and the Shagunu tourist sites attractive to tourists and for revenue generation.
The Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Rifkatu Adamu Chidawa, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the week’s State Executive Council (SEC) meeting at the Government House in Minna.
Chidawa said a South African investor had indicated interest to partner with the state government for the development of the sites through Public Private Partnership (PPP) which would be managed under, Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis.
The consultant, she said, would give the models of Gurara falls, adding that 10,000 hectares of land had been acquired around Gurara falls while payment of compensation was on going for the host communities around the water fall.
The commissioner further hinted that, already, protective rail had been constructed to enhance easy movement and as well guaranteed safety of tourists while recreational centres would be created for the proposed zoo or wild life park.
“The consultant is working on the beautification of Shagunu tourism site which we see as a finger on the Niger”, the commissioner said, adding that access road had been constructed to ease transportation through the affected sites.
“All the tourist sites have been electrified and we also have bill boards erected for easy identification of the sites”,she further told the journalists.
The she applauded Gov. Abubakar Sani Bello for evolving alternative source of revenue generation.
