Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
RUSAPE Town Council has issued eviction notices to tenants occupying its prime property in the Central Business District (CBD) to pave way for the construction of the proposed Maungwe Shopping Mall.
However, some tenants have accused the council of insincerity, claiming they were not consulted before receiving the eviction notices, and are arguing that the three-month notice period is insufficient for them to find alternative operating spaces, particularly for their unique businesses.
The council has entered into a public private partnership with an investor for the construction of a modern shopping mall at Old Education Complex building, straddling stands number 37, 38 and 39 along Tongogara Street.
The investor will build, operate and transfer the building back to council.
The Old Education Complex, one of the town’s oldest properties, is in a state of disrepair.
Despite its dilapidated condition, the complex is home to over 50 tenants who operate a variety of businesses, including microfinance institutions, hair salons, bookshops, dental clinic, tailoring services, and flea markets.
In a notice to tenants, Rusape Town Council Housing and Community Services Director, Mr Morris Tekwa instructed tenants to vacate the premises within 90 days.
Tenants are also required to clear their rental areas before vacating the premises. “Please be advised that the council will not be renewing your leases for the year 2025 as your statutory tenancy at Old Education Tongogara Street, it is hereby cancelled. The cancellation is not without good cause as council intends to make use of the premises for renovations.
“Accordingly, you are hereby formally served with immediate notice to wind up business and ensure that you vacate the shop from 90 days from date of this letter, failing which you will be evicted without further notice to you and at your own cost. Also ensure that the outstanding rental arrears and service charges are paid upon receipt of this letter by yourself (sic),” read the notice to one of the tenants.
The issuance of the eviction notices has sparked outrage among affected tenants, with those who spoke to The Manica Post on condition of anonymity, lamenting that they are caught between a rock and hard place.
They said they have limited time to find alternative private premises, which come with steep rental fees that are unaffordable compared to the council’s rates.
“It is disheartening to receive only a three-month notice without the courtesy of being engaged first. Some tenants have been operating here for 30 years.
This complex has been an incubator for small-to-medium enterprises, offering an ideal location, affordable rentals, and flexible payment terms,” said one of the tenants.
The council’s public relations officer, Mr Lloyd Makumana said the 90-day notice period for tenants to vacate the premises is fair, despite the uncertainty surrounding the construction start date.
“The building will undergo renovation, but we currently do not have a confirmed start date for construction. However, we believe the 90-day notice period is sufficient for tenants to find alternative premises to operate their businesses,” he said.
Rusape Town Council invited property developers last year to partner in the revitalisation of two key infrastructure projects – the Vengere Bus Terminus and Old Education Complex.
The Vengere Bus Terminus is a bustling hub that serves as a rank for local and long-distance buses, as well as hosting various economic activities, including fresh farm produce markets, shops, small-to-medium enterprises, and steel and metal works.
However, the terminus has become a ticking health time bomb due to inadequate ablution facilities, which struggle to cope with the growing population.
The area is often plagued by voluminous streams of sewerage flowing into the market, posing serious health risks.
