The Bridgetown Lodge in Kasane is up for sale to a South African company for P95 million (R131 million), according to a report by investigative journalism arm, amaBhungane, published in Daily Maverick.
The report suggests that investors in the lodge, developed by former Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Patrick Balopi, have not been paid the rentals they were promised. Balopi has sold his shares.
Owner Ahmad Mansur Sidiqui, is quoted as saying he has invested P24 million (R33 million) in the lodge and is selling his stake because the business is “going down”. According to the report, the lodge’s occupancy has never exceeded 32%.
The Bridgetown Lodge is well located for attractions such as the Chobe Game Reserve, the Victoria Falls and the flood plains of the Zambezi. It comprises 36 rooms and facilities include a restaurant and bar.
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