Panyanda Lodge Destroyed By Fire

Panyanda Lodge in Masvingo is the latest casualty of veld fires this season.

Regency Group of Hotels managing director Eddison Zvobgo Jnr told Zim Now that while the situation is bad, he is grateful that not all was lost.

“The conference centre, reception area, caravan park and toilets were all not spared.

“It is just unfortunate, but we are relieved that the accommodation area has not been affected,” he said.

He said the fire which was still burning in nearby mountains as at 11 am today (Wednesday) might have been deliberately started then went out of control.

“We suspect that people from a village situated at the back of the lodge fence started the fire, most probably in search of game or perhaps for purposes of creating new pastures for their livestock.

Zvobgo said they are yet to quantify the damage as the fire team from Masvingo Municipality, police and the Civil Protection Unit are on the ground to do their investigations.

Veld fires have killed 18 people this year, destroyed around 200ha of wheat, left some villagers homeless and destroyed a high value of property.