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Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
FORMER National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) employees who were recently given a week’s notice to vacate the parastatal’s houses in Westgate, Bulawayo, have vowed not to leave until they are paid their pensions.The more than 40 former workers and their families were served with eviction notices by the Messenger of Court two weeks ago.They had been given a week to vacate, but up to now they are still living in their Westgate homes.
NRZ spokesperson Fanuel Masikati said all channels were followed leading to the ex-employees being served with eviction notices.
“This is an old case. All due processes were followed. What is left is for the Messenger of Court to move in. We are waiting to see what will happen this week,” said Masikati. He added that the compensation matter the ex-workers were raising was different from the eviction issue and he was not at liberty to discuss it.
The NRZ spokesperson however, added that the due process had been followed in the monetary issue.
Chronicle yesterday interviewed some of the affected ex-employees who said the parastatal had said it would only pay them after they have moved out of the houses, something they are opposing.
The ex-workers have been wrangling with the company over compensation amounting to nearly $35,000 for nearly 17 years and yesterday they said justice should prevail before they are evicted.
Zedius Janyure, one of the affected people, said until they receive their compensation in pension and other benefits, the houses will remain theirs.
“We are not refusing to move from these houses but they have to pay us our money first. This issue has been going on since 1998 but the company is failing to honour its promise up. I have a farm in Norton. Once they give me my money, I will go there,” he said.
Another former worker’s wife, Antinelia Matope said the Messenger of Court once visited and accused her of being the ring leader in defying eviction and as such she had been told that she would be the first to be evicted.
“I want it known that I’m not going anywhere until I receive my compensation,” she said.
The widow of a former employee, Annallen Muyengwa said the company has not explained who would be offered the houses when they are evicted.
“If we are evacuated from these houses, who will occupy them as the company stopped offering accommodation for its new employees?” said Muyengwa.
Online Reporter