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Residents forced to pay rentals in forex as Rent Board accepts bribes
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)
July 24, 2008

Residents of Harare are getting a raw deal from the state appointed Rent Board. The Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) has received numerous reports that certain officials at the Rent Board are accepting bribes from landlords so that they turn away residents who approach them complaining about unfair treatment by landlords. With the economic meltdown intensifying, most of the landlords in Harare are now charging rentals in foreign currency. The Zimbabwean dollar is the only legal tender; hence it is criminal to charge rentals in forex.

A survey recently carried out by CHRA reveals that accommodation in most of the low to medium density suburbs is now being charged in United State dollars, while for the high density areas, landlords are charging in South African Rand. In areas like Warren Park and Mufakose, a single room is going for 100 Rands, while in places like Avondale and Highlands landlords are charging USD100 per room per month. Landlords argue that, they cannot charge rentals in local currency, whose value is seriously eroded by inflation on a daily basis. Meanwhile, forex remains difficult to access for most of the lodgers whose monthly income earnings are well below the poverty datum line. A group of 11 families is currently sleeping in the open along Airport road, after being evicted. The families are failing to find alternative accommodation as a result of the rentals being charged in forex.

Although the economic crisis is the immediate force behind the charging of rentals in forex, CHRA notes that Operation Murambatsvina/Restore Order left more residents homeless, as most of their homes were demolished. The operation also destroyed backyard structures, which for long time had been accommodating thousands of residents who are now homeless. The Government is still failing to provide accommodation for the survivors of this notorious operation. The increased demand for accommodation, boosted by the state sponsored Operation Murambatsvina, has exacerbated the plight of the lodgers and low income earners. CHRA calls upon the state to come up with immediate measures that cushion the residents against the disastrous effects of Operation Murambatsvina. The Ministry of Local Government must provide direct loans to Local Authorities ear marked for housing development. CHRA demands that the state must be responsible for its irresponsible yet cruel actions like Operation Murambatsvina.

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