E26M BOOST FOR BUHLENI HOTEL

MBABANE – Buhleni will reclaim the literal meaning of its name, with the establishment of a multi-million hotel.

The Open House Boutique Hotel, currently in planning and development stage, is owned by Director Siphiwe Dlamini, who is wife to Director of Administration at the King’s Office Sihle Dlamini.

It is to be located along the Madlangemphisi –Mayiwane road across the Lugongodlwane River at the Ntabinezimpisi area.
It is expected to generate employment for 200 people.

The open house resort, which will incorporate an amusement park, amphitheatre, 120 bed hotel and 11 chalets, restaurants, multi-purpose indoor recreational facility and conference, will be erected on a piece of land measuring 10 hectares.

Dlamini, in an interview yesterday, said the hotel was destined to give an alternative to the theme parks of Badplaas and the Carnival City in South Africa.
“Would you still use your passport and cross the border with children, if we had the same facilities in Eswatini, where it is more safer?” she asked when a question was posed on how the hotel intended to make profit.

Dlamini declined to state the total investment in the hotel but assured that she was in partnership with international investors, who would pump in US$2 million, an equivalent of E26 million, according to yesterday’s exchange rate. She said the local ownership of the hotel was working with banks to finance the establishment of the facility.

“I have temporary partners, who I intend to buy out after some time,” she said.
The Environmental Impact Assessment collated by SHERQ Professional Services has already been completed and a scoping meeting was held with residents of Buhleni, where they were sensitised on the development.

guests

In the report, it was stated that the hotel would primarily make its money from guests who attend the annual marula ceremony at Buhleni Royal Residence.
“King Mswati III’s vision is to see the Kingdom of Eswatini meet the standard of First World countries by 2022, hence this project will support Vision 2022 as the resort that will be constructed will be a three-star with an amusement park, among other things,” Dlamini said.

This project will also add to the development of the town, as currently there is a shortage of entertainment activities as well as guest houses. Buhleni often hosts a marula ceremony that is usually graced by the King during the month of February. This is the ceremony whereby people from different parts of the world come together to have a taste of the naturally brewed marula brew and also to look at other products that are manufactured from the fruit.
Dlamini said the hotel would also make its money from conferencing facilities as it will have four conference rooms.

SHERQ, whose Director is Wandile Hlatshwayo, explained that the project would be constructed in four phases anticipated to create approximately 200 jobs. The first phase being the erection of chalets followed by 60 hotel rooms, and then an additional 60 rooms, while the theme park will be the last. The theme park will comprise a range of gaming technology and machines to cater for various age groups, including a water slide connecting to a pool.

“During the construction phases, local contractors will be given first preference. We also hope to bring a skills transfer to the people of Buhleni through provision of job opportunities and sustainable livelihood,” Hlatshwayo explained.

Currently, interested or affected parties have been requested to submit comments or objections as per the Environmental Audit, Assessment and Review Regulations of 2000 on or before January 18, 2019.

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