Council to cancel leases over rental arrears

Rusape Town Council has announced plans to cancel lease agreements for tenants who fail to clear their rental arrears by 2026, a decision made during a full council meeting on Thursday.

Council chairperson Lovemore Chifomboti said the move is aimed at ensuring the local authority has sufficient funds to deliver essential services. He noted that council properties, including houses, shops, and other buildings in Vengere, have seen widespread rental defaults.

"If tenants are not willing to pay their rentals, council will cancel their lease agreements and rent out the properties to those who are willing to pay. It is ironic that tenants complain about lack of services when they are not paying their dues," Chifomboti said.

Some of the council houses are rented out to council employees, who have also been urged to settle outstanding payments. Chifomboti stressed that financial stability is crucial for the council to maintain service delivery and meet community needs.