…as they are set to be evicted from the premises
Rumbidzai Muswera
The newly established Avuxeni FM Community Radio Station in Chiredzi, is set to be evicted from its operating premises in the Central Business District (CBD) over failure to pay rentals claiming the premise was donated to them by Chiredzi Town Council.
Avuxeni FM, a recently established Xhangani community radio station is currently owing Wildlife and Environment Zimbabwe (WEZ) close to US$1200 on rental arrears ever since they began operations last year, it has emerged.
On June 24, 2021, WEZ represented by Faith Hove signed a Lease Agreement with Avuxeni FM which was represented by its Board Chairperson, Herbert Phikela with the subject of the agreement being an office space at 69 extension corner Inyathi and Msasa Drive in Chiredzi.
Avuxeni FM, which is now allegedly tormenting WEZ and its other tenants, asking them to vacate the premises, signed a Lease agreement which requires them to pay US$150.00 per month commencing on the 1st of June 2021.
“The rental for the premises shall be the sum of one hundred and fifty United States Dollars (US$150.00) per month to be paid monthly in advance without deduction by the first day of each calendar month directly to the Lessor or to the Administrator of LEAP or a deposit into the CBZ bank Account WezLeap,” reads part of the Lease.
This week, Emmanuel Chibudu of the Manyika Law Chambers wrote a letter of demand on behalf of WEZ-LEAP to Avuxeni FM claiming rental arrears which they believed were overdue.
“We are reliably informed that you entered into an agreement of lease with ours on the 24th of June 2021. The lease was to commence on the 1st of June 2021 and ending on the 31st of May 2023 with an option for renewal.
“You were supposed to pay US$150.00 as a security deposit and you agreed to pay rentals at the rate of US$150.00 every month. From the month of June to date you have not paid anything towards the rentals as agreed in the Lease agreement.
“Consequently you are in arrears in the sum of US$1 200-00. We are instructed as we hereby do, to demand payment of the rent arrears within seven days of your receipt of this demand,” wrote Chibudu in the letter of demand.
Government of Zimbabwe pumped in millions of local currency to help renovate the building to meet their expected standards before the tenant, Avuxeni FM allegedly started claiming ownership of the building citing that it had been donated to them by Chiredzi Town Council and has evicted the landlord together with other tenants.
Other Tsonga speaking locals are complaining that the project is benefitting a few individuals who are employing their relatives, mostly from Save who are not fluent Tsonga speakers thereby mocking the indigenes of the language.
