Zimbabwean diplomats face eviction

A NUMBER of Zimbabwean diplomats based in foreign countries have received eviction notices, as the government has reportedly failed to pay their bills and rentals, it has been established.

According to the Newsday, acting secretary for Foreign Affairs David Hamadziripi told the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs that some embassies were in a sorry state, as the country's Treasury was hamstrung by lack of funds and in arrears of over $50 million.

"As at June 30, 2015, our budget was funded only to the tune of 25% despite the fact that the 2015 budget itself was under-provided and we were midway through the fiscal year," he said.

"All rented premises are in arrears, with a number of missions in receipt of eviction notices from landlords. Our officials are regularly summoned by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs in the host countries to explain issues relating to default in payment of rent and other obligations."

Zimbabwe has 45 missions and 39 of them are headed by ambassadors, while the rest are run by consul-generals.

As at June 30, government owed diplomats in excess of $11 million in salary arrears, $5 million for rent, $25 million for building maintenance and $4,3 million for the purchase of vehicles.