Kano Chamber of Commerce revives Magwam Water Restaurant
Before now, Magwam was an eye sore because of the level of decay it had fallen into. It was over grown with weeds and reports by people passing through the area says the abandoned structure had become a breeding ground for snakes and other reptiles. Though abandoned, whoever passes through it would know that the […]
Before now, Magwam was an eye sore because of the level of decay it had fallen into. It was over grown with weeds and reports by people passing through the area says the abandoned structure had become a breeding ground for snakes and other reptiles. Though abandoned, whoever passes through it would know that the project was a big one from conception but was affected by the “Nigerian factor” of sinking huge sums of money into a project but allow it to waste after probably a change of government
When the Chamber of Commerce undertook the revival of the place, it encountered some setback because of the level of decay. In the first place the chamber could not find the original design of the site because of the long time it stayed abandoned. The president of the Chamber, Alhaji Ahmad Rabi’u, disclosed this in an interview with Pyramid Trust in his office.
He said, “the technical drawings of the existing structure could not be traced anywhere. Even the certificate of occupancy could not be traced. It was the effort of the former commissioner for commerce that led to the discovery of a copy of the certificate of occupancy which was also never recertified. It was a very old one.”
The president said they had to follow other process to know what was on ground in order to revisit and review the completion to be done. After surmounting the first bottle neck, the chamber’s effort to woo investors suffered a setback as a result of the economic meltdown that engulfed the world two years back, “In the course of getting started 18 months ago, the world got into economic crises. Some of the people who were partners and some who are offering us financing could not go on with the proposals so we had to start again.”
In its efforts to encourage investors to come in, the Chamber spends some millions according to the president, to give some lease of life to the place, “Now there is a suya spot where fast foods are sold. A part of it is the recreational area where women and children walk around. We also have halls for weddings and meetings and an open air concert for fun fairs and others,” he said.
At the end, the Chamber was able to get a Saudi firm with some other partners who put money to rehabilitate and complete the place. He added that by next year, the place would be fully rehabilitated, “We should be able to finish much part of it during this year and by next year, Magwam will be opened 100% for use by the Kano community and visitors.”
Rabi’u further disclosed that after operating for 25 years, the agreement would be due for renewal subject to new terms and conditions, “In one year and a half, it will be fully rehabilitated. We operate it for the period of 25 years .Within that period we will recover the funds we spend in to rehabilitate the place then it will be due for renewal subject to new terms and conditions.
The rehabilitation of Magwam has been received with accolades by people interviewed. Most of the people recalled with nostalgia, how Magwam was when it was operating in the past. Abbas Ahmad said the rehabilitation of Magwam is a welcome development. He noted that any time he passes through Magwam in its abandoned form, he lamented. He said his pain was due to the huge amount of money that was spent to create Magwam but at the end, it was abandoned, “Anytime I pass through Magwam, my heart bled because of the huge amount of money that is allowed to waste by abandoning it. Now that the Kano Chamber of Commerce has come to its rescue, it is a welcome development. I hope it will soon begin to operate?”
Another person who craved anonymity, said the rehabilitation is a good thing but his only concern was its mode of operation. He observed that Magwam in the past, was used for indecent activities, saying he prayed it would not be the same this time around, “Magwam in the past was a place for fun seekers, I hope now that we have become a shari’ah state the place would be shari’ah compliant. He said the Chambers should respect this wish of the people of Kano and should not allow indecent activities there.