Longacres Lodge set for upgrade

SUN REPORTER writes @SunZambian LONGACRES Lodge in Lusaka will next year be upgraded to a three to five start hotel under a Private Public Partnership (PPP) arrangement, Ministry of Tourism and Arts permanent secretary Auxilia Ponga has said. Dr Ponga said the facility would be improved to bring about banks, business centre, a big conference facility and restaurant.  She this would give a new lease of life to the lodge that had been in existence since 1957. The Pwermanent Secretary bemoaned the state of some of the fittings like the ceiling boards that had to be continuously replaced due to leaks in the roof. Dr Ponga said the deal would be signed and implemented next year. She was confident that after the upgrade, the facility would start to attract a new class of clientele and earn Government better revenues than it was doing now. Lodge Manager Carol Temba said management had decided to undertake renovations of the lodge to meet clients’ expectations. She said most clients prefer rooms with shower facilities opposed to those with bathtubs. Ms. Temba said soon the lodge would have a Café that would offer services to clients 24 hours everyday. This is according to a statement issued by Ministry of Tourism and Arts public relations officer, Sakabilo Kalembwe.