Kanjedza Lodge gets injunction against closure

Kanjedza Lodge in Limbe, Blantyre has obtained an injunction stopping the Department of Tourism from closing its operations.

Director of tourism Isaac Katopola said in an interview on Thursday the department received complaints from customers who had gone to the lodge to spend a night but decided otherwise because it was not fit for human habitation.

He said the department confirmed the complaint after it carried out an inspection of the place  in accordance with the Tourism and Hotels Act.

Said Katopola: “The kitchen was faulty in terms of hygiene. The ceilings were falling off. The place was not habitable; it was in a bad state,”

He added that after the inspection, the department instructed the owners to rectify the shortfalls but it only managed 80 percent and was yet to complete the exercise.

“I am surprised that instead of repairing the remaining 20 percent work, they are seeking a court order. As bona fide operators, I would expect them to finish the repairs,” Said Katopola.

The injunction, which was granted on August 30 2016 by High Court Judge Michael Tembo, indicate that the board closed down the lodge on allegations that it failed to comply with the minimum standards in accordance with the Tourism and Hotels Act.

Owner of the lodge, Muhammed Aswane, said in an interview the shortfalls had been rectified and the lodge is ready for another inspection.