Hotel, stadium to promote tourism and talent

Meru Governor Peter Munya has told off critics over the ongoing construction of a multimillion shillings stadium and a hotel.

The construction of phase one of the stadium was supposed to be completed on June 2015, but was delayed.

The cost is estimated to be around Sh160 million.

The first stage deals with the construction of a standard pitch, a track and 20,000 capacity terraces; while the second will see the building of recreation facilities, stalls and a restaurant.

Meru County Hotel in Meru town is being refurbished at a cost of Sh184 million and is overseen by the Meru County Investment and Development Corporation (MCIDC).

The hotel was closed after the operator failed to pay more than Sh19 million in accumulated bills to the defunct Meru county council.

Mr Munya on Monday said both facilities would be complete by July this year.

He accused his opponents, one of them being Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi, of opposing development projects initiated by his government for no good reason.

"Those opposed to these projects should know that we will not be deterred...we have given the work to several contractors to fast-track it. I am assuring players and residents of Meru that the stadium will be ready in three months," Mr Munya said.

Governor Munya explained that his administration decided to upgrade the 30-year old hotel to tap into the tourism and hospitality industry.

"The hotel will have the first health and fitness centre in the region. Other features include a sauna, jacuzzi, swimming pool and [a] modern restaurant and accommodation facilities.

"Our opponents should know that we are not building a village hotel. We hope it will be star-rated once completed," he said.

Further, the county boss said an investor will run the facility.

He added that the Senate was enthused by the work he is doing in Meru, which he said would earn him a second term.

"I recently explained what we have done to a Senate committee and they were intrigued.

"The Meru County Microfinance Corporation and the Investment and Development Corporation were interesting models to them. It seems only Mr Murungi does not see my work in Meru," he said.

The Party of National Unity (PNU) leader said Senator Murungi is incapable of developing the county.