SLCAA, SLAA and National Tourist Board Conduct Joint Inspection on Airport and Hotel Facilities in Lungi

Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Sierra Leone Airports Authority (SLAA) and National Tourist Board Sierra Leone have conducted a joint inspection tour on airport and hotel facilities in Lungi.

The assessment came as a result of the growing concerns to reopen the Freetown International Airport  (FNA) to schedule flight operations.

Briefing the team on the role of the inspection, the Director-General of Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Moses 
Tiffa Baio said the goal of the visit was to assess the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), Airport Clinic 
and identify suitable hotels from among the list of hotels and guest houses in Lungi that could 
accommodate passengers coming from overseas.

“The visit to the EOC, airport clinic and some hotel facilities is primarily based on the need to prepare before the resumption of flights. Before the commencement of commercial flight operations, we will activate the EOC to respond to daily issues using an integrated communication approach. When flights resume, we want to be able to at least test over 100 passengers in 3 hours and conduct swab test at the Airport Clinic to achieve a speedy outcome,” DG Baio said.

He added: “We have requested for the assistance of Visit Sierra Leone (VSL) who has agreed to serve  as a clearinghouse for intending travellers to Sierra Leone to make hotel reservations, payment for local 
transportation and advanced payment for any other related travelling cost. While we strive to ensure  that we do not import cases into Sierra Leone, we will also want our travelling public feel extremely comfortable during their trip.”

The General Manager of National Tourist Board Sierra Leone, Fatmata Abe-Osagie revealed that the  the inspection would look at the standard of the hotels based on the harmonized ECOWAS classification  criteria, stating further that the team would inspect proper disposal system, security, electricity supply,  water supply, internet accessibility, room ambience, hygiene of the toilet etc.

“The joint hotel inspection is to assess facilities, request for prompt maintenance, clean and fumigate  hotel facilities, sign operational Memorandum of Understanding with them and train front line staff. We will do a follow-up to ascertain whether they will be able to meet the demand of accommodating  passengers,” she said.

The team identified 5 hotels (Lungi Airport Hotel, Lungi Gateway Hotel, Harmony Hotel, Mahera Beach Hotel and Gate-Way Guest House) providing a total of 165 rooms for passengers coming into the country.

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