The Hotel and Catering Association of Zambia has expressed concern at the rising number of illegal lodges and motels in the country especially in rural areas.
HCAZ President Felix Mulenga told ZANIS in an interview in Mansa today that most of these hospitality facilities are operating without valid licenses.
” These facilities are illegal and are denting the good name of the hospitality industry as they run their businesses unprofessionally, ” said Mr. Mulenga.
He said it has become challenging for HCAZ to effectively supervise the operations of illegal lodges and motels as they are its affilliate.
HCAZ is a legal body mandated by law to govern the hospitality industry in the country.
He expressed concern that some of these guest houses and lodges lack professionalism as they promote immorallity.
” These illegal operators also allow their clients to book rooms on short time basis at low rates, the act he said promotes immorality, “Mr Mulenga said .
He wondered whether managers of such guest houses and lodges even distribute condoms in their rooms.
He advised people running their guest houses and lodges for other purposes rather than accommodation to realize that they are putting the lives of their clients in danger of contracting HIV and AIDS.
[pullquote]” These illegal operators also allow their clients to book rooms on short time basis at low rates, the act he said promotes immorality, “Mr Mulenga said .[/pullquote]
He called on the operators to approach HCAZ offices which he said are now found in the districts so that they can be recommended for license.
And HCAZ president has appealed to operators of hospitality facilities to do their businesses effically in order for the customers to respect them.
And Luapula Province Minister Besa Chimbaka said government is keen to create a fair playing field for operators in the industry.
Speaking at the same function, Mr Chimbaka said it is not fair to have few operators pay for all required operating licenses whilst others operate without even one license.
He said illegal operators do not pay taxes hence charge unreasonably low rates compared to those who operate legally.
ZANIS
SHORT TIME BASIS, slaughterhouses indeed!!
Just reduce the licence fees & everyone will come on board.
Paying for licences in this country does not add any value to the quality of service provided. If anything, the cost is passed on to the user or client.
On the issue of short time, even some licenced ones has the facility.Paying for licences in this country does not add any value to the quality of service provided. If anything, the cost is passed on to the user or client.
On the issue of short time, even some licenced ones has the facility.
Not surprised. What you expect from the country led by illegal Presidents.
heheh..we have alot of these lodges in Lusaka..hurry up and catch up with them..!short time ..!!
Bwana Felix Mulenga you should realise that this industry is still in growth stage so the operators can do anything to survive. They may be promoting immorality but that is key no. 1 client.What I would advise the Hotel and Catering Association of Zambia is to embark on a sensitization campaign among all stakeholders so that they come up withone common moel of operation to their benefits.It does not make sense to making press statements without engaging the stakeholders concerned. In fact these operators may be said to be operating illigally but they are providing employment. The other time I went to Solwezi I found a lot of lodges of all standards but life was going on as usual.The picture looks like Kapoko’s lodge.
Felix you also take your girl friends there u idddiiiioooote!!!!
Eeee!!!! Eko yaba ama guest houses yenge sana. Even in shanty compounds you will find guest houses such Kapoche, blue water in chawama. Surely, they do offer short time accommodation at reduced price.
The Sex Industry is every where no matter what you say or what you do,ignoring that it does not exist is what puts people at risk. if we acknowledge its existance then we can start to regulate it period.
Paying for the licence is one thing but what is the association doing in terms of the level of  training staff of these facilities as the are the first port of call for the customer….is there a minimum requirement??
 I read a review the other day about one of Lusaka 3 star hotel in Longacres where one of the staff kept sending emails to a former customer in the UK begging for money.
Reduce the registration fees. (> K2.5m too much) Nothing you do offer to them. They have to pay Council, Zra and you for literary nothing.
Amazing issues here. I’m very happy to look your article.
Thanks a lot and I’m looking forward to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
Take a look at my web-site; ambien