adminNqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
RESIDENTS of Pelandaba suburb in Bulawayo are capitalising on the ongoing Apostolic Faith Church camp meeting by leasing out their houses to congregants charging them exorbitant rentals.In separate interviews at the weekend, residents who spoke to Chronicle on condition of anonymity said they were charging the congregants up to $30 per head for the two weeks the camp meeting will be running.
“They share rooms and a room can accommodate up to 10 people depending on its size. We are charging them between $20 and $30 per head,” said one of the residents.
Another resident said they also provided household utensils to the church members.
“We provide them with stoves, beds and some with breakfast,” said another resident.
Residents have also been accused of evicting their tenants in days leading to the conference so that they could accommodate the church members who pay more money.
Normally rentals range between $30 to $50 per room a month. Commenting on the issue one of the residents (name withheld) said the conference was always a business opportunity for them.
“Between September and November we come up with good eviction notices to our tenants so that we make way for the church members. It is a good opportunity considering the economic hardships we are facing,” he said.
Residents are not the only ones taking advantage of the congregants as schools within the surrounding suburbs also lease their premises to the church members.
The Apostolic Faith Church camp meeting is an annual event. It started yesterday and will be running up to first of January.
The event attracts about 5,000 church members from the country’s 10 provinces and from countries within Sadc.
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