Off Topic, kind of, yet in some ways remindful of some aspects of the telecom landscape today:
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City Council Destroys Restaurant's Terrace
Story by NATION Correspondent
Publication Date: 2/4/2006
The City Council yesterday raided a five-star city restaurant and demolished its terrace, breaking flower pots and carrying away furniture in a move that shocked the owners and workers.
The council reportedly moved in the restaurant along Standard Street in the city centre, startling the guests who were having their breakfast there.
Speaking to the press, managing director, Gaetano Ruffo, said the council's officers, who numbered over 60, did not give him any explanation for their action.
"My wife and I pleaded for the officers to listen to us, but were instead met by verbal abuses and rudeness," said an angry Ruffo.
Mr Ruffo said he had a court order barring the council from any action until a suit he had filed was heard and determined.
The order, signed by the Deputy Registrar of the High Court, was issued on January 24, and was initially effective till February 2 (a day before the council's action ) but was extended to March 2.
The hotel claim to have discussed the developments with the Director of City Planning, who had assured them that they would honour the court order.
"There seems to be contradicting voices from the city council. The director assured me that all was well while his deputy ordered this (demolitions) in the middle of the night. Is this the way we are to run our businesses?" wondered the hotelier.
The entrepreneur claimed he had lost a lot of money in the operation. "I have done business in this country for a long time and I expected to be treated with some understanding but instead I was handled like a thief."
nationmedia.com
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