… as upsurge in house to lodge conversions continues
By Beverly Bizeki
Masvingo City councilors recently clashed over the continuous application for conversion of residential stands to lodges which they said were contributing to noise pollution in the commonage and expressed mixed feelings over Caravan Park which was described as the major culprit in noise pollution.
Speaking at a full council meeting held recently at the Townhouse, Ward 9 councilor Benard Muchokwa said residents were worried over the numerous conversions of residential stands as it was causing noise coming from rowdy parties at these lodges.
“The continuous conversion of residential stands to lodges is worrying because of the noise emanating from the use of industrious generators and parties at these venues. There are also complaints coming from residents that there is noise coming from Caravan Park. There are letters of complaint that have been written to the Town Clerk’s office which is a cause for concern, some of these letters were written before I even came into office,” said Muchokwa.
Ward 1 councilor Sabina Chikwangwani agreed with Muchokwa and said the conversions were posing threats to the mental and moral wellbeing of children living in communities with these lodges.
“Children growing up in communities that have lodges in them are prone to wild behaviors often displayed at these places hence it is crucial for council to regulate and monitor these places so that they observe the by-laws governing how they were operating,” said Chikwangwani.
Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe suggested that stiffer penalties be introduced for would-be offenders.
“The issue requires us to introduce heavy penalties for offenders of the by-laws guiding the running of operations at these lodges,” said Tabe.
However, outspoken Ward 10 councilor Sengerayi Manyanga dismissed the allegations that there were letters of complaint against Caravan Park saying he was the councilor so he was better positioned to talk about that, telling Muchokwa to mind his ward.
“As ward 10 councilor I have not heard of any complaints of noise pollution from Caravan Park by residents in my ward. Besides, my house is closer to the said place and I haven’t heard any noise disturbing people in the ward.
“Caravan Park is one of the most of exciting places in town and that is where most of us go to hang out. Even at Pioneer Cottages where the councilor has said there are noise reports I haven’t heard any,” said Manyanga.
Manyanga went on to tell Muchokwa to respect boundaries and allow each councilor to mind the business in his ward.
“It is not our role as councilors to tell residents to write petitions for certain issues in the wards. Vanhu ngavazive maboundaries, avo (people must know their boundaries), how do you know there are many reports in the TC’s office, who wrote them? It is not our duty to mobilize people to act on something. Caravan Park is in my ward and there are no such issues. You must notify me when you receive reports of issues in my ward. I am the councilor in that ward I am the one who was voted for, if it is possible let us approach the minister and exchange wards,” said Manyanga.
Councilors Sharon Marombedze and Esther Zishiri concurred with Manyanga and said there was need to consider residents as Caravan Park is one of the best place for them to refresh and allow council to set the rules of operations at the premises.
“We need to consider the interests of our residents when dealing with this issue, this is one of the biggest chill out places in Masvingo,” said Zishiri.
“Caravan Park is Council property and we are the ones who set the rules of operation at these premises. The responsible committee and department head must deal with the tenants,” said Marombedze.
The issue of house to lodge conversions was raised in council last year when councilors complained over the upsurge of the conversions with councilors saying owners were failing to adhere to regulations.
Ward 6 councilor Wilstaff Sitemere agreed with Muchokwa back then on the alarming conversions and said there was need for council to look at the area before granting permission citing cases of rape at one of the houses in his ward.
Most people in Masvingo living in low density areas are converting their houses into guest houses and lodges which has been allegedly causing disorders in communities.
