By Admore Mbonda in Kariba
KARIBA– A wave of anxiety has swept through Kariba as numerous residents renting properties from the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) have reported alarming discrepancies in their rental payments.
This troubling situation has ignited fears of potential fraud or severe bookkeeping errors within the organization.
In recent weeks, several tenants received letters from ZRA indicating that their accounts were in arrears. These notifications warned that failure to address the outstanding balances could lead to non-renewal of their leases. However, many residents assert they have consistently paid their rent on time and possess receipts to validate their claims.
One affected tenant, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, recounted his experience. “I was shocked when they told me my account was in arrears,” he explained. “I have receipts for every month I’ve lived here. I’ve paid on time, yet it’s not reflecting in their system.”
This resident speculated that the issue might be rooted in ZRA cashiers not updating the main system after payments are made. “When I presented my receipts, they said they would investigate, but I still received another letter stating I was in arrears. I don’t understand what’s happening,” he lamented.
Other tenants have echoed similar frustrations, reporting they too have been notified of outstanding balances despite having proof of payment. While some speculate about the possibility of internal fraud, others point to inadequate bookkeeping practices within ZRA.
“I’m not accusing anyone of fraud, but it’s very suspicious,” remarked another tenant who received a notice about unpaid fees. “If it were just one or two people, maybe it would make sense, but several of us have receipts. We need answers.”
In response to these mounting concerns, Zambezi River Authority’s Communications and Public Relations Manager, Selusiwe Moyo, reached out to clarify the situation. She indicated that she has raised the issue with the finance manager and assured residents that she would provide a response as quickly as possible.
The affected tenants are now calling for ZRA to conduct a thorough investigation to bring clarity to this troubling situation. “We just want to know what’s going on. If there’s a problem, they should fix it. We shouldn’t have to worry about losing our homes when we’ve done everything right,” stated one concerned resident.
As the situation unfolds, ZRA finds itself under scrutiny. Whether this issue arises from internal mismanagement or something more concerning remains to be seen. However, the affected residents are hopeful for a swift resolution that will restore their peace of mind.
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