adminLynnia Ndlovu, SundayNews Reporter
A BUILDING which used to house popular clothing retail chain, a retail store in Gwanda and was gutted by fire last year, has become an eyesore with vendors dumping waste in it while prostitutes are now reportedly using it as a mini-brothel to entertain their clients.
Some residents in Gwanda said the building was now giving the town a bad name as it was situated in the Central Building District along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge highway.
“Now everyone who passes through Gwanda would think this represents the town because it is along one of the busiest roads,” said Mr Nkululeko Sibanda.
Mrs Thandeka Moyo said the local authority must address issues around the building as garbage including used condoms were now being dumped at the building.
“We suspect it is now a base for prostitutes. They have found a free area to entertain their clients. If you come at night there will be prostitutes loitering around the building,” said Mrs Moyo.
Gwanda Mayor Councillor Knowledge Ndlovu said the local authority was also concerned about the building which was now giving a bad image of the town.
“The council by-laws must be implemented and enforced pertaining to the burnt building. We tried to talk to the owners to renovate it as there are time limits when things should be done, especially when they are affecting residents. The building is now used as a dumping site where people throw litter at will so we requested that the owners put a fence around it. I’m very sure the town council will do something about it very soon,” said Cllr Ndlovu.
According to the council, the building was sold to a Bulawayo woman identified as Mrs Khumalo.
Sunday News managed to get in touch with her but she indicated that the building belonged to his son whom she refused to name.
“My son bought the building. We promise that by August everything will be set and we will start the renovations. I even communicated with the Gwanda Town Council that we will start the reconstruction of the building in August,” said Mrs Khumalo.
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