Construction has begun on the ‘Delta Leisure Resorts’, a tourism and leisure facility which is being built in the Warri and Asaba Cities of Delta State, Nigeria, and will be the first of its kind in West Africa. Sarner PFM (Africa) and Sarner UK are working together to design and create the leisure resorts which will cover over 150 hectares in each city and is estimated to be costing 49 billion Naira (£167.4 million).
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The main park, located just 20 minutes from the airport in the Oleri village, in Udu Local Government Area of Warri, will reflect the culture of the area while providing a place of escapism, enjoyment and fun and is set to include a water park, 5* and 3*hotels, luxurious chalets, casino, golf course, historical attractions, family entertainment centre, children’s area, sports facilities, spa and retail stores.
The Oleri bridge, which is currently under construction, will link the park to the mai
n road network for ease of access.
The animal reserve and wildlife park will be situated in Ogwashi-UKu, Aniocha South Local Government area of Asaba, which is just 15 minutes from the new International Airport in Asaba, and 40 minutes flying time from Warri airport.
The new leisure resorts are being seen as a positive step towards helping the economy by creating new job opportunities and enhancing tourism. Princess Abiodun Oyefusi, Managing director of Sarner PFM (Africa), has worked closely with the Delta State in Nigeria to bring the required inward investment of US$250m to develop the first leisure and entertainment resort in the whole of Nigeria. Princess Oyesfusi comments, “The ‘Delta Leisure Resorts’ will be a unique attraction for Nigeria helping to draw visitors to the area from across Nigeria, the surrounding countries and beyond. The increase in tourism will create new job opportunities and help with the development of the country’s infrastructure.” Princess Oyefusi adds, “This is a very exciting project to be working on and we see it as a great opportunity for Sarner PFM as it will provide a springboard to expand our services throughout Africa.”
The overall theme for the resort is ‘Landscapes’ and one of the main features will be a dramatic waterfall, offering spectacular views across the leisure park from the highest point. Nigeria is blessed with tropical beaches, rain forest, savannahs, lively cities and rich cultures which Sarn
er has drawn on for inspiration. This, in addition to the climate, will make the park a great addition to the country, offering something for every age group from the excitement of the Theme Parks, Animal Reserve and Marine Life Centre, to the tranquillity of the Golf Course, Spa and Restaurants, to the strong tribal history that can be discovered in the Crafts Village and Museum where visitors will be able to find out about the traditions and skills of the surrounding area.
Commenting on the project and the importance of preserving the country’s beautiful surroundings, Ross Magri, Sarner’s Managing Director, says, “The design of the park will ensure the environmental impact is kept to a minimum, and low energy lighting, recycling facilities, protection of the natural habitat and efficient use of energy will form a key part of the design process”. Magri adds, “With increasing public awareness of environmental quality issues, there is a new sense of urgency to identify hazards and seek out sustainable solutions to our most pressing ecological challenges. Sarner has fully embraced its responsibility in terms of protecting the environment and will incorporate processes, technology and design solutions to ensure that we comply with any environmental requirements and, where possible, exceed them.”
The first phase is due to open at the end of 2013.