Gweru City Council has resolved to lease the mayoral mansion after three companies expressed interest in renting the structure.
Town clerk Elizabeth Gwatipedza told The Herald on Tuesday that the mansion was being evaluated to determine its true value. She said:
We have received expressions of interest for the mayoral mansion and we have about three companies that want (to rent) the mansion.
So, we are now doing a technical and financial evaluation and this stage needs to be done and a decision will be made on those who responded to the call for expressions of interest.
Previously the City’s acting finance director Mr Owen Masimba revealed plans to convert the mansion into an accommodation and events centre. He said then:
As part of our planned capital projects for this year, we intend to enter into a joint venture with a potential partner to turn the mayoral mansion into an accommodation and events centre.
We have set aside a budget of $300 000 to renovate the mansion, and we have since flighted an advert for expressions of interest for the project.
We should be able to hire out the mansion so that it can bring revenue to the council.