Masvingo gives beerhalls to churches

Walter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
CASH-strapped Masvingo City Council has resorted to leasing some of its beer outlets to churches in order to raise money to offset some of its debts. According to latest council minutes, the city council has lined up five beer outlets for letting with the largest one, Farai Beer Hall in Mucheke, having found a taker in the form of Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa’s United Family International Church (UFIC).

The church has offered to pay $3,000 per month in rentals.

This comes in the wake of reports that most beer halls are not making any profits and are bleeding the already financially hamstrung local authority.

“On leasing of beerhalls, UFIC church has won the bid on Farai Beer Hall and has offered to pay $3,000 per month. Other beer halls will be leased for $1,600 per month,” read the minutes.

The council said its liquor business has been making huge losses and owed Delta Beverages about $70, 000.

The other beer outlets that are set to be leased are Sarudzai, Manhede, Chiororo and Caravan Park.

Masvingo Mayor, Councillor Hubert Fidze said:

“I can confirm council is leasing beer outlets. The lease is open to everyone and we’ve flighted tenders in the print media. However, so far only Farai Beer Hall has found a taker as far as I know. It will be leased to UFIC.”