adminMidlands Correspondent
TROUBLED Shabanie and Mashaba Mining Holdings is in the process of obtaining title deeds for about 4 000 houses in Zvishavane owned by Shabanie Mine amid reports that the asbestos mine intends to sell the houses to raise money and settle workers’ outstanding salaries, it has been learnt.Shabanie Mine has houses in Maglas, Kandodo, Nil high density suburbs, Birthday, Advalorem, Hillview, Noel Vail low density suburbs and Chinda cottage flats in Zvishavane which used to provide accommodation for its workforce.
Workers who spoke on condition of anonymity alleged that initially the company had offered to sell the houses to the employees on a rent-to-buy basis.
The company, however, made a U-turn and proposed to sell the houses to banks and individuals to raise capital, part of which would go towards settling workers’ salary arrears.
The employee added that the company was giving individuals and institutions 25-year lease agreements for company houses and premises yet Government promised to revive the company in a period of about two years.
Zvishavane-Ngezi Member of Parliament, Cde John Holder, said the development had also thwarted the company’s hopes for revival.
“It is disheartening to learn that the company intends to sell houses to individuals and other institutions when it is struggling to revive its waning fortunes. What it means is that once they sell the houses that would be the end of Shabanie Mine.
Such a development has a negative impact on the Zvishavane community. We urge Government to look into it and immediately secure funds for the revival of the asbestos mining company,” he said.
SMM Holdings administrator Mr Arafas Gwaradzimba confirmed the company was in the process of obtaining title deeds for the company houses in Zvishavane.
He said the company was limping and wanted to sell the houses to raise capital.
“We are in the process of obtaining title deeds for the company houses in Zvishavane. The process is long and it started a long time ago. The company needs capital,” he said.
The company has extended the workers’ unpaid leave indefinitely after it failed to re-open in October.
Shabanie Mine sent its workers on an unpaid leave in 2010 which was supposed to end in October this year.
However, the company could not open owing to liquidity challenges.
SMM Holdings, which was formerly owned by Mr Mutumwa Mawere, was placed under curatorship and later taken over by the Government.
The company is now under the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation (ZMDC).
Online Reporter