By JULIUS PHIRI –

THE Hotels and Catering Association of Zambia (HCAZ) has petitioned the ministry of Local Government and Housing over high owners’ rates which have affected its members.
HCAZ Eastern region chairperson Elvis Mhone said during the annual general meeting (AGM) held at Luangwa Lodge in Chipata that operators in the hospitality industry were being charged exorbitant owners’ rates.
He said the members were being threatened with warrants of distress by local authorities after failing to pay the high charges.
Mr Mhone, who is the proprietor of Eastern Comfort Lodge, said HCAZ that petitioned Local Government Minister Stephen Kampyongo, was currently waiting for the response on the matter.
“Effectively, we have petitioned the Ministry of Local Government and Housing against high owner’s rates affecting our members, like for Chipata as a case in point. We are, however, still expecting a response to our petition,” he said.
Mr Mhone said the number of registered HCAZ members in the region was not impressive, adding that all non-members and old members should join the association.
He said he was aware that some lodge owners in the region were failing to follow laid-down procedures.
He said unregistered members included Zambia Revenue Authority, National Pensions Scheme Authority and Patents and Companies Registration Agency were running lodges.
He said the association would follow up such people who were violating the law so that they could become members and be able to contribute to Government coffers.
Mr Mhone has also appealed to the ministry of Tourism and Arts to set up a tourism enterprise licence in Eastern Province.
He explained that the members were finding it difficult to get licensed with the tourism enterprise licence due to the lack of an office in the province.
Meanwhile, Mr Mhone and Charles Mbeba, the owner of Chai Lodge, were re-elected chairperson and vice-chairperson of the association, respectively.
Aaron Mvula of Luangwa Lodge and Elina Mwale of La Rochele bounced back as secretary and vice-secretary, respectively, while Gilson Undi of Murphy Lodge was re-elected treasurer.
The new entrant, Mikala Tembo–Banda of Gomatemwa Lodge in Lundazi was elected vice-treasurer.