Beverly Bizeki
Masvingo City Council is planning to evict illegal tenants in its rented houses to pave way for disposal of the houses to sitting tenants.
This was revealed in the Health, Housing and Environment Minutes dated November 6, 2023 following the claims that people who had moved out of council houses long back were now reclaiming the houses so as to be able to buy them while others were subletting.
“It was reported that there was a number of illegal tenants in Council houses and since the idea of selling houses to sitting tenants started, people who had moved out long back were now reclaiming the houses whilst others were subletting.
“The rental houses are part of council’s social housing delivery programmes wherein the idea is to assist those in need and vulnerable and the moment one relocates or owns a house, the property reverts to council,” read part of the minutes.
Council has however recommended that all illegal tenants be evicted, and regularization of illegal tenants be done to those who would have stayed in the house for a period of not less than 5 years.
“Council resolved to recommend that it evicts all tenants residing in council rented houses whilst owning a property in Masvingo. Council is to evict all tenants residing in council rented houses, who have illegally stayed for a period of less than 5 years.
“Council has also recommended that it regularises all illegal tenants who have stayed in the council houses for a period exceeding 5 years,” read part of the minutes.
Council also reported that it had earmarked 25 housing units for disposal under phase 2 of the homeownership scheme.
“The report of the Director of Housing and Social Services on the homeownership scheme was considered. It was reported that a total of 25 housing units were earmarked for disposal under phase 2 and valuations had been done.
“Committee members highlighted the need to consider orphans and long sitting tenants in the allocation process,” read part of the minutes.
