The Bulawayo City Council has ignored a directive by Local Government, Rural and Urban Development minister Ignatius Chombo to stop leasing properties to new tenants.
Report by Blondie Ndebele, Own correspondent
Council is reviewing its lease agreements for various properties, including suburban shops, that will see some people renting premises since 1950 contrary to a policy that encourages rotation.
Last week, Chombo ordered the cancellation of tenders advertised by the local authority, describing them as “criminal” as they prejudiced “people who have been renting the properties on a rent-to-buy basis”.
But the MDC-T led council this week flighted advertisements inviting tenders and the process will close on October 10.
The tender is for shops in Iminyela, Mabutweni, Njube and Pelandaba high density suburbs as well as kiosks at Centenary Park, Barham Green and Northend swimming pools.
Bulawayo mayor Thaba Moyo yesterday told NewsDay that Chombo had not communicated his position to council
“He was telling them (reporters) and not us,” he said. “We have our own formal communication channels that the minister could use for us to act on that directive.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“Up to now, we have not received anything so we will continue to invite tenders for leasing of council shops.”
Zanu PF supporters early this year complained about the tenders and Chombo appointed a committee to investigate council’s operations. The findings of the probe are yet to be made public.
