Latest  report emanating  from the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC) Majoress Ophelia Hoff Saytumah has reportedly reached an agreement with a Lebanese group to lease out certain portion of the city for US$180,000.

Sierra Leone-Media Tech, under the reported pact, has exclusive municipal right from St. Paul Bridge on the Bushrod Island in Monrovia to Roberts International Airport, Harbel, Margibi County.

MCC sources said the alleged deal was reached last week by representatives of Media Tech and MCC Boss Ophelia Saytumah. Payment, according to reports, will be made this week. This deal is said to have been confirmed by Media Tech in the country.

Sources at City Hall said advertising is one of the key businesses reserve for Liberians. “We are not only looking at that, but the ideal of giving two years right to this company which we do not  know anything  about or don't even know their  office in the country and it means a lot to us", one insider said under anonymity.

If indeed this is correct, it means that no company will carry outoutdoor advertising in the areas selected for two years. It is not  also clear what would  become of  bill boards already planted in these areas by  various companies in the  country.

According to the reported agreement  which will last for two years, Media Tech will have the exclusive right to these areas and any company wishing to advertise will make  payment to media Tech instead of City Hall.

Though the reported agreement has not gotten off grounds, already Liberians have begun expressing displeasure, saying such deal was not in the interest of even Monrovia City Corporation and the Liberian business community.

“I think city hall should not give exclusive right to any company. I think City Hall should set criteria or standardize placement of sign board in the city. When that is done, it will be good. Even that deal, is not good for City Hall itself, “Richard Kollie, a University of Liberia Student said.

Some members of Liberian Business Association (LBA), who were contacted via cellphone expressed displeasure over the news. They noted that advertising is one area exclusively set aside for Liberians and to give it to a foreign company is something that both LBA and Liberia Chambers of Commerce need to resist to the end.

Efforts to hear from MCC boss didn't materialize as her mobile phone appeared to be of after several attempts to get in touch.

A senior official at MCC who declined to be named denied the allegations. He said: “Media Tech wants to rent 300 light poles in the city and they want  to lease certain parts of the city so that they can look for client”.

Keneja Turned Over To Bob Johnson Group
By J. Nathaniel Daygbor

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.