— Choma Municipal Council shuts down Budget Stores

Choma Municipal Council shuts down Budget Stores

Choma, 03, 2014, ZANIS —–  The Choma Municipal Council has with immediate effect closed the newly opened budget stores  in Choma district due to noncompliance with the legal requirements.

Choma Public Relations Officer Ms Ramona Phiri confirmed the development in an interview in Choma District today.

Ms. Phiri said the chain store which opened two days ago had no partial occupation certificate, fire certificate, health certificate among other requirements contrary to the public health and building regulation Acts parts 15 and 16.

She expressed concern that the store housed in a two storey building which was still under construction pose serious risk to lives of  the public as well as the workers themselves.

Ms Phiri  added that in as much as the local authority would want to see more investment in the district, business owners should adhere to the legal requirements in the operations of their businesses.

“ As a Council we would want to see more investors in the district but as they come they should ensure that they conduct their business in conformity with the law without putting the safety of their workers and  the general public or indeed their customers at risk ,” said Ms Phiri.

“ On top of that the council did not do an inspection of the premises prior to the official opening  and so we are compelled to issue management with notice of closure until the store owners comply with all the legal requirements,” she added.

But store manager who only identified himself as Mr. Tom expressed ignorance on the need for the store to adhere to legal requirements before operations but promised to ensure that all the requirements were met.

Budget store is one of the leading retail shops in the country and has a chain of shops across the country.