The only council-owned beerhall in one of the oldest suburbs in Gweru, Ascot, has been turned into a den of thieves and a place of immorality, a development frowned upon by residents.
The beerhall, much like its neighbour, Ascot Stadium, another council-owned facility, is suffering from years of neglect.
And criminals and the purveyors of nefarious activities have taken advantage.
In its current state, the beerhall resembles a deserted ghost house, with tall untrimmed grass blocking part of the entrance.
“It now serves as a haven for thieves and immoral activities at night. I have seen a lot, including young children sneaking in to do whatever they will be doing there,” one resident said.
“It’s a no-go area especially at night for our children and husbands that do night shifts.
“Some [thieves] are believed to be our very own children!”
Just beside the beerhall, there are vendors who sell vegetables and second-hand clothes.
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One of the vendors Tinomudaishe Govere said the deserted beerhall was also being used by sex workers.
“Young kids, especially minor girls, are involved in immoral activities at this place. I wish police patrols would nab some of these people at night. Men are sleeping with young girls in this beerhall. They are even taking advantage of the tall grass which you see there,” Govere said.
Gweru United Progressive Residents and Ratepayers Development Association director David Chikore expressed sadness over the neglect of the beerhall.
“Back then, we valued these beerhalls. They were areas of socialisation, but now they have turned into something else. Our fathers would convene burial society meetings there. The places had a purpose but now it’s different,” Chikore said.
Council spokesperson Vimbai Chingwaramusee said the local authority was planning to lease the place having failed to generate revenue from it.
“We are currently not using some facilities like beerhalls, but they are open for those who want to rent. We have already flighted adverts for leasing, but we have not received any takers,” she said.
