A notice of closure says the hotel had failed to comply with minimum standards in accordance with the Tourism and Hotels Act of the Laws of Malawi. Its license has been revoked forthwith, says the ministry.

Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule told journalists the hotel’s standards are very low and it cannot be allowed to continue operating.

Said Kamtukule, “We have been engaging them since last year, issuing notices of warnings for them to fix the problems but they have not. There is bad odour all over the hotel emanating from the washrooms and kitchen.”

The hotel management has been given 90 days to rectify the problems and reapply for a new hotel operating license.

Sogecoa Golden Peacock hotel management refused to speak to us. But while being briefed by Ministry of Tourism officials, they pleaded with them not to close down the premises, promising to rectify the problems.

The ministry has ordered the hotel management to stop all operations, cancel all bookings and ensure that all those who had already booked should be refunded or be booked into other hotels.