MAPUTO – A well-known Mozambican holiday destination, Flamingo Bay Water Lodge in Inhambane, was reduced to ashes on Saturday. The lodge, which became famous for its unique construction in the water of the Indian Ocean, was destroyed when a fire was aggravated by a strong wind that night.
Nothing remains of the 20 luxury casitas (chalets), which were built on stilts in White Sands, Inhambane.
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The cause of the fire is not yet known. The Inhambane police department will reveal the findings of its investigation later this week.
According to a reliable source in Mozambique, who wanted to remain anonymous pending the police investigation, this is the second lodge this year which owner Mr Dave Law has lost.
“In September, the well-known Barra Lodge was taken over and sold by the bank in August.”
The source added that this was the second time Flamingo Bay had burned down.
“The previous time was about six years ago. Back then, Law had insurance but I don’t know if he did have this time.”
The source believes the fire could have been started by disgruntled employees who lost their jobs when Barra Lodge was sold. However, no one knows for sure.
“All we know at this stage is that one casita caught fire, which spread quickly to the others because of the strong wind.”
The source said that there were guests staying at the lodge at the time of the fire and that they have been moved to Neptune’s Lodge in Barra. So far, no injuries have been reported.
After numerous attempts, Lowvelder could not establish contact with Law.
