J. Nathaniel Daygbor
13 March 2008
Keneja Cultural Center located in Paynesville outside Monrovia on the Monrovia-Robertfield Highway has been turned over to American billionaire Bob Johnson for the construction of a 5-star hotel.
The facility which was built by the late President W.R. Tolbert over two decades ago hosted several cultural activities and programs and trainings.
Activities marking the official turnover were held Tuesday, Information Minister Laurence Bropleh gave details of the government-Bob Johnson arrangement.
Min. Bropleh noted that the site has been given to Robert Johnson Group for the construction of a five-star hotel. He disclosed that the Bob Johnson Group paid US$80,000 as front payment covering three years.
He said residents of Keneja will be relocated near Camp Kesselly in lower Margibi County. He said the government is expected to construct a school and a clinic for the residents.
Pres. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said the land on which Keneja is built is being misused. She said some individuals were selling the land illegally and people were buying and constructing buildings on the property.
She said the leasing Keneja to a foreign business is purely intended to develop the beach side of the country and the 5ive star hotel will be the first of its kind in the country.
"The construction will create jobs opportunities for many Liberians". She noted that the construction is another albatross between the United States and the her administration and added that the hotel will be used to host international conferences and this will boost the country's economic strengthen outside.
The head of the 9-man delegation from Robert Johnson Group, the Executive President of the group, Lisa Pickrum said the hotel will have 80 rooms, and is expected to be completed in March 2009.
She disclosed that they will invest over US$10M and the 5-star hotel project is the beginning . She said the construction of the 5-star hotel will commence the same day of the ground breaking ceremony.
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