I
visited the most talked about TINAPA at last in the North of Calabar
municipality, Cross River State. Tinapa was the brain child of the former
Governor of Cross Rivers state, Donald Duke, to improve business and tourism, Tinapa
costs is estimated to be over $450 million or about 415 million euros. It was
developed in four phases under a Private Public Partnership (PPP) in the
Calabar Free Trade Zone. It is located on approximately 80,000 square metres
(860,000 sq ft). Tinapa is a community on its on with shops and warehouses, the
entertainment area has a casino, digital cinema, children's arcade,
restaurants, a mini amphitheatre, a night club and pubs, an artificial tidal
lake that feeds from the Calabar River, a Water Park / Leisure Land and parking
Space for 4,000 cars.
There
is also an open exhibition area for trade exhibitions and other events, and a
movie production studio commonly called Tinapa Studios. There is a 243-room
international three star Hotel.
The resort also has a truck terminal, and it is powered by an
independent power plant.
Like
most projects in Nigeria, TINAPA stands like a white elephant project today, on
my visits, most of the shops were under lock and keys, few people moved around,
nothing is happening there.
The
reason I was told is because the Cross River State and the Federal government are
fighting over who owns the right to operate a free trade zone policy there.
Dr James at the swimming pool section |
The
Federal Government is yet to approve the operating procedures and guidelines. Like
when two elephants fight, while the free trade zone policy lingers, the interest
rate payments on the construction cost of the complex is rising.
My take here is that the Federal Government of Nigeria as
well as the Cross Rivers State Government should leave no stone on-turned to resuscitate
Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, the time is now and not tomorrow.
Dr James at the kiddies section |
Gov Donald Duke with Dr. Raphael James |
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