By Ralph Sesay
The Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU) Chairman for Central Zone, Mr Ibrahim Ahmed Jalloh, has, in an exclusive interview with nightwatch, spoken on steps taken by the current President of the Sierra Leone Teachers Union, Mr M.S. Bangura. He said the entire Executive has put in place accountability and transparency measures in the management of the Hotel 5/10 located at Kissy in Freetown.
Mr Jalloh noted that, for the past decades before the M.S. Bangura executive took over the SLTU, the management of Hotel 5/10 was in shambles. It had huge challenges around making the Hotel accessible to teachers and the maintenance of basic facilities.
He continued that when the M.S. Bangura executive took over they instituted a Management Committee to oversee the running of the Hotel. That management structure had comprised of a retired school teacher, a serving principal, one member from the head office and another representing the SLTU executive.
The management committee, he went on, has been able to undertake massive rehabilitation and maintenance of basic facilities at the Hotel, including damaged beds in all 43 rooms as well as changing television sets with improved channels.
The Central Zone Chairman also noted that they have been able to restore internet facilities at the Hotel with over five routers from Diakem, an internet service provider. This, according to him, has brought the Hotel back to a three star status.
He disclosed that they have very serious challenges around water supply and electricity, but have been able to surmount them through the use of a 5 KVA generator and purchase of water from Guma Valley Water Company.
The Central Zone Chairman also disclosed that the M.S. Bangura executive has been able to pay all their tax liabilities to NRA, NASSIT and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. The money is in amounts of millions of leones. They have also been able to pay thirty permanent workers and 17 casual workers in line with the country’s minimum wage.
He concluded by noting that teacher’s accessibility to the Hotel, as guests, and to also host weeding receptions, has improved greatly, compared to the past.
“Teachers are now given preferential treatment in the use of the facility,” he boasted to the nightwatch.
Hotel 5/10 has spacious and convenient rooms with air conditioners, fridge and plasma TVs with over fourteen channels. The Hotel’s restaurant and bar serves, breakfast and continental foods are great and have a spacious car park.