Ministry Of Education Faces Eviction Over ZWL$5 Million Rent Arrears
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education faces eviction from the premises it is renting in Masvingo for failing to pay rent.
The rent arrears have risen to ZWL$5 million since 30 June 2021. The ministry occupies Wigley House along Josiah Tongogara Avenue in the Ancient City.
High Court judge, Justice David Mangota, has ordered the deputy Sheriff to evict the ministry from the premises. The order reads:
The ministry shall pay the sum of $5 050 622.13 being arrear rentals as well as the interest of the sum at the rate of five per cent per annum calculated from June 30, 2021, to the date of full and final payment.
The ministry shall pay the sum of $188 183.65 being arrears operating costs and levies as well as interest on the sum at the rate of vice per cent per annum.
First defendant and all those claiming occupation through it shall vacate the premises within two days after service of the present court order on the ministry.
The Sheriff of the High Court shall evict first defendant and all those claiming occupation.
According to court papers, the parties entered into a lease agreement for the property in January 2009 for an initial period of three years up to December 2011 subject to renewal.
The ministry, however, failed to pay rentals for several months, prompting the landlord to take legal action.
On 25 June 2021, the landlord served the summons on the ministry for non-payment of rentals but the latter ignored the claim resulting in a default judgement being made against it by the High Court.
