CSC dragged to court over debts

The local authority through its lawyer, Mr Richard Moyo-Majwabu, of James, Moyo-Majwabu and Nyoni last year issued summons demanding the payment $337 331,46 with interest at the prescribed rate of five percent per annum.
They also want the CSC to pay the costs of the suit on an attorney to client scale.
Last Thursday, senior Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Nicholas Ndou removed the matter from the roll during Motion Court and did not make an order as to costs.
The CSC, through its lawyer, Mr Nqobile Ndlovu, of Cheda and Partners had entered an appearance to defend and although they acknowledged their indebtedness to the BCC they were not happy with the issue of costs.
They stated that at the time the summons were issued in November last year, they were faced with financial problems but they proposed to pay monthly installments of $10 000 commencing in November for six months and that after that the amount could be reviewed upwards.
The same offer was made to Zesa although it could not be established how much the power utility is owed.
According to the declaration of the local authority, in terms of the Urban Councils Act, the council is obliged to provide certain services to the residents and companies who own immovable properties in the city.
Such services include road maintenance, provision of water and refuse collection.
In return council is entitled to levy rates charges on immovable property within the city.
The CSC is the registered owner of number 57 Birkenhead Road, stand 13792 Halifax Road, Donnington, stand 16464 Josiah Chinamano Road, stand 20 Mary Burrows Road, Ilanda, and number 17 A Caithness Road, Hillside.
The local authority says the CSC has failed or refused to pay rates for their immovable properties since about 2009 until they decided to seek recourse in the courts.
The city council appears unhappy with the payment arrangements although indications are that discussions on the payment plan are underway.