Court grants Blantyre City Council  powers to enforce stop orders on Zinkhoswe, bridal showers  in residential areas

The court has granted Blantyre City Council (BCC) the mandate to stop people from conducting ceremonies like weddings, engagements and bridal showers in residential areas.

According to BCC’s Public Relations Manager, Anthony Kasunda, the issue was put on a temporary halt because there was an injunction stopping BCC from enforcing the order.

“There was an injunction which the court has decided on. The court has confirmed that the Council has the mandate to enforce stop orders of such events in residential areas,” he pointed out.

Kasunda  said the Council is in the process of addressing grievances raised by those that took it to court in terms of how they can comply with the stop notices.

“The Council will be issuing fresh notices shortly after all is said and done,” he said.

Kasunda said the Council has enforcement mechanisms in place and that the expectation of the council is that the owners will comply with the law in the wake of the determination of the court.

On  April 30, 2015, Blantyre City Council issued a stop notice which said that the Council had noted with great concern the increase in the number of houses being turned into arenas of public ceremonies such as weddings, engagements and bridal showers.

“The Council, therefore, hereby notifies members of the general public and Blantyre residents in particular, that holding of weddings, engagements and bridal showers and other public ceremonies in residential areas is prohibited,” reads the stop notice in part.