By State House Communication Unit
His Excellency President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma Tuesday 16 February 2016 officially reopened the newly refurbished Bintumani Hotel at Aberdeen in Freetown.
President Koroma described the reopening of Bintumani Hotel as an important milestone not only for the hospitality industry but also for the country as a whole. He went on to note that the reopening of the hotel was an abiding testimony to the country’s collective efforts in meeting its recovery objectives. “It is a testimony to the resilience of our people and the determination of my government and private sector partners to put the Ebola calamity behind us and move on with our development agenda,” he stressed.
He applauded the Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) and their local co-workers for being part of the milestone in transforming the Bintumani Hotel to a top of the range facility and commended their contribution in defeating the Ebola outbreak.
The head of state pointed out that the Bintumani Hotel has always witnessed the friendship between the Republic of Sierra Leone and the People’s Republic of China, adding that the friendship has generated great dividends to both countries. President Koroma also registered firm commitment in strengthening the friendship in pursuit of more economic cooperation. Whilst stating government’s open door policy and partnership with other private sector investors in the implementation of government development agenda, President Koroma said that government will continue with the ongoing development of the Aberdeen-Lumley Beach and other tourism infrastructures across the country.
In his statement, the General Manager of the hotel Mr David Wenguo Zhang said the Bintumani Hotel has a special space in the hearts of Sierra Leoneans being the first Five Star hotel in the country. He registered his commitment to the people of Sierra Leone and in meeting international standards in the hotel and tourism industry. He informed that in 2014 they decided to make another investment of Five Million United States Dollars to upgrade the hotel and to develop the land surrounding the hotel.
Delivering her statement, the Acting Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Madam Kadija Sesay said the reopening ceremony was another milestone in the development of Sierra Leone as enshrined in Pillar one of the Agenda for Prosperity. She urged the BUCG to expedite the remaining facilities in meeting international standards.
President Koroma unveiled the hotel plaque and consequently embarked on a conducted tour of the hotel facilities, climaxed with a cocktail.
