adminProsper Ndlovu Senior Reporter
THE just-ended harmonised elections left business people in Lupane smiling as they recorded brisk business from the guests who camped at the town.Those who offered accommodation and meals such as Lupane Women’s Centre, Mumba Guest House and Kusile Rural District Council Guest House were fully booked a few days before Wednesday’s elections.
A majority of the guests were election observers, both local and foreign, election agents and election officers who were mainly civil servants.
The owners of the facilities charge between $20 and $40 per night for accommodation only while meals range between $2 and $5 depending on the type of meal.
Restaurants and retail shops also made brisk business from the guests and villagers who came to the centre to vote.
Lupane Centre had two polling stations, one behind the shops and another at the District Administrator’s compound.
Workers at Lupane Women’s Centre who spoke on condition of anonymity who provided accommodation to Sadc observers said their business picked up early this month as the election preparations gathered momentum.
“This place has been very busy since 10 July and we made good business. Some people who came here late could not find accommodation,” said one of the workers.
A shop attendant at one of the shops said the last two days were the busiest.
“We sold goods to a lot of customers in the last two days compared to other days. Most people wanted drinks, airtime recharge cards and foodstuffs,” she said.
Lupane is the provincial capital of Matabeleland North province.
The only fuel service station at the centre ran out of the liquid due to increased demand from scores of motorists.
Illegal fuel dealers took advantage of the situation to sell fuel to desperate clients on the black market.
Five litres of petrol, which normally costs about $8 was sold for $15.
Airtime for three mobile phone players NetOne, Econet and Telecel was also in short supply.
Online Reporter