With the realization of diminishing world ecological endowments, it has become necessary to conserve existing resources for current and future generations. The design and construction of new tourist facilities have embraced the use of environmental friendly, biodegradable materials, whilst maintaining high standards and causing as little disruption to the environment as possible. It is with this in mind that Dubai World Africa Services (Pty) Ltd floated the bids for construction of an ecolodge in Nyungwe national park Rwanda; designed by Keith Design (Pty) Ltd/M2K Architecture (Pty) Ltd. ROKO was the best evaluated bidder in terms of cost, and methodology to achieve the set parameters.

The project comprised construction of 8 forest villas with 26 rooms of different types; staff housing, main hotel building and associated external works. The design incorporated use of timber structure for the buildings, with glazed timber windows and doors and timber slate roofing. Natural tile slate flooring, timber ceilings; with a complete modern electro- mechanical installations, incorporating solar lighting and water heating installations. The external works including road works and swimming pool had to be executed by hand and hand operated equipment to cause as little disturbance to nature as possible.

Indeed this project has made us proud by being awarded BEST INTERNATIONAL NEW SMALL HOTEL CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN by International Hotel Awards in association with Bloomberg Television.

Roko Construction won a contract to renovate and extend the former intercontinetal Hotel Kigali to Serena stardads. This is an effort to step up and widen their services in Rwanda.

This renovation project is estimated to take 12-month, among the key areas to be added will be an ultra modern new wing comprising a total of 44 guest rooms, 28 standard and 16 executive rooms, and a two-storey state of the art Maisha Spa facility complete with a contemporary swimming pool.

This is expected to increase the Hotel's guest capacity and offer a wider variety of health and beauty services to local and international guests. The refurbishment is to be done in three phases, involving all Serena Hotel facilities, Kigali Serena Hotel, Serena Lake Kivu and Kinigi.

The hotel is to remain open during the renovation period and measures will be put in place to ensure minimal interruptions to the guests.

Currently Kigali Serena Hotel has 104 air conditioned rooms that range from luxury suites to deluxe rooms and the number is set to increase to 148 after the refurbishment is complete.

Serena Hotels have purchased 27.6 hectares of land in the Kinigi area and their architects are currently finalizing designs for a luxury boutique. Full construction of the facility will begin early 2009.

The Managing Director of Serena Hotels, Mr. Mahmud Jan Mohamed, said the whether out for pure luxury or a swift revitalization, the Maisha Spa facility will offer soothing respite and inner serenity to guests with services ranging from signature massages to facials and hydrotherapy bodycare.

So any traveller looking for an executive conference, off-site meeting or luxury accommodation Will feel at at home in Serena Hotel.