New twist to Umguza demolitions

Politics
A NEW twist has emerged to the evictions and demolition of residences of Reigate Compound in Umguza with the legislator of the area, Obert Mpofu, disowning the place, saying it was under the Bulawayo City Council.

A NEW twist has emerged to the evictions and demolition of residences of Reigate Compound in Umguza with the legislator of the area, Obert Mpofu, disowning the place, saying it was under the Bulawayo City Council.

Senior Reporter

Mpofu, Transport and Infrastructure Development ministry, told Southern Eye Reigate was not part of his constituency and exonerated Umguza Rural District Council which has been blamed for the demolitions.

“That area is not under Umguza. It’s in the Bulawayo constituency. Talk to Umguza chief executive officer he will tell you that. You can’t even do a simple research? Don’t be silly,” Mpofu said, angrily.

Umguza Rural District Council (RDC) falls under Mpofu’s constituency and his wife, Sikhanyisiwe, was the chairperson of the RDC before being elected to the National Assembly in the July 31 general elections.

However, Bulawayo mayor Martin Moyo refuted Mpofu’s claims and was adamant that the area falls under Umguza RDC. Moyo distanced Bulawayo council from the ongoing demolitions.

“That’s not true. The area falls under Umguza RDC. We don’t know anything about the demolitions. It’s a long story because there had been some demolitions again at the beginning of the year by the same RDC,” Moyo said.

“If there is anyone who has the authority to demolish those structures it’s Umguza RDC not Bulawayo council. We are not even planning or thinking of demolishing anyone’s house”.

However, a simple research by Southern Eye revealed that Mpofu was not well informed and was not conversant with the reality on the ground as evidence showed that indeed Reigate Compound falls under Umguza RDC and was being administered by the same local authority.

According to evidence before the Bulawayo High Court used to apply for an interdict by the tenants, the letter advising the tenants of the demolitions was written by Umguza RDC and is part of the exhibits tendered in the higher court.

The letter was written by a G Sibanda, a social service officer with Umguza RDC on January 17. The letter reads: “Dear Tenants. This letter services to inform that plans are underway to demolish Reigate houses due to developments taking place. We kindly advise tenants to seek alternative accommodation by the March 31 2013. Tenants with outstanding bills are also advised to settle them before the said date; failure to pay will result in legal action. We therefore urge you to save yourself from embarrassment of being humiliated. We apologise for any inconveniences caused.”

The letter is contained in Bulawayo High Court record HC 2921/13 which forms part of the application by the tenants to bar Umguza RDC from destroying their houses.

Also in the record are receipts from Umguza RDC acknowledging payment of rent by the tenants and also certificates occupancy bearing the RDC’s name dating back to 2011 when Mpofu’s wife, Sibusisiwe, was the RDC chairperson.

On Friday workers from the same RDC went back to the compound and destroyed toilets two days after the court barred demolitions at the place.

The tenants’ lawyer Jonathan Tsvangirai yesterday confirmed the latest round of demolitions by the RDC.

“I was advised yesterday (Friday) that the RDC workers were demolishing the toilets in a bid to force the tenants out of the place. It’s now contempt of court. So we have to file for contempt of court against Umguza RDC,” Tsvangirai said.

The Zanu PF controlled RDC destroyed the tenant’s houses on Tuesday reportedly to allocate the stands they are built on to other buyers.

The tenants leased the houses on a six-year rent-to-buy agreement from January 2003 after which they were supposed to assume ownership of the houses.

However, the RDC allegedly sold the stands to other people and wanted to flatten the entire compound to accommodate the new buyers.

The tenants, however, had to rush to court to stop the demolitions and on Wednesday Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Nokuthula Moyo issued an interdict against the RDC from further demolishing the houses until the matter was finalised.

Seven houses had already been demolished.