Phumulani Hotel and Thusanang Lodge in Gwanda shut down by ZTA

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has shut down Phumulani Hotel and Thusanang Lodge in Gwanda as the authority cracks down on unlicenced operators.

The two were accused of violating the Tourism Act which requires all tourism operators to be licenced.

Gwanda residents have welcomed the closure of the facilities saying it will help curb prostitution which is now rife in the gold mining town.

The illegal hotel and lodge operators are expected to register their facilities with ZTA as well as meet minimum standards of running tourist facilities.

Currently the facilities are in a state of neglect as doors and windows have broken down compromising the safety of guests while the unavailability of running water presents a health hazard.