adminTanaka Mahanya and Maria Chiguvari
SHOP owners in Silundika and Morgan House have been cast onto the streets after management closed the premises demanding more money for water bills and rent.
Business ground to a halt and owners have been denied access into their shops along George Silundika Avenue in Harare.
Some have resorted to operating from cars to keep sales ticking.
One shop owner said the building’s management claimed the Harare City Council wanted payment for water and some shops owners had not paid rent.
The situation has left some shop owners, who had paid their rentals in full, feeling aggrieved.
Greenlife was offering services, such as scans, to customers in cars.
Jan Jam clothing resorted to operating from one of their other shops close to First Street Mall.
“Yesterday, the management said they had closed because Harare City Council wanted them to pay for water.
“We managed to raise US$4 000 to cater for the expenses.
“We do not mind paying because we are here for business, but they should not mistreat us,” said one shop owner.
“Our customers are now buying from our cars, which is not a good advert for business.
“We should value them and make sure they get the service they deserve but we are failing to do that because the management team has let us down.
“Business has not been the same and we need them to act swiftly to address the situation.
“The situation is affecting some of us who have paid in full.
“If it is about rent, they should only close those who have not paid and not inconvenience all of us.”
The buildings’ management team refused to entertain H-Metro.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter