. Renard

By DELPHINE ZULU –
VALIS Property Limited has sued the Government, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), former national coach Herve Renard and his assistant Patrice Beaumelle over unpaid house rentals amounting to almost K750, 000.
In this regard, the plaintiff’s lawyers have also filed an affidavit to seek permission to commence proceedings against Renard and Beaumelle who are out of jurisdiction and that summons could be sent by way of courier.
According to a Statement of Claim filled in the Lusaka High Court, Valis Property are claiming K742, 512 for the two flats that Herve Renard and Patrice Beaumelle occupied at their Fallsway Apartments inLusaka.
The plaintiff stated that it entered into an oral agreement with Renard and Beaumelle between March 2012 and November 2013 by virtue of their employment to occupy villas Number-21 and Five respectively.
It was agreed that VALIS Property would be paid rent in the sum of K35, 750 per month for occupying each villa, which brought the total due for both villas to K71, 500.00 per month.
The Claim also indicated that the procurement of accommodation services was at all times sponsored by and for the account of the Government and the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Child Development.
The plaintiff stated that during the occupation of the said villas by the two coaches, a total bill of K742, 512 was incurred in rental arrears and was to be settled by the Government through its line Ministry.
On various dates, the Government and the Ministry committed itself to settle the duesbut did not fulfil the pledge.
“Despite several reminders and demands by the plaintiffs, the defendants have failed, refused or neglected to pay the total sum due notwithstanding the undertaking to make the payment,” the Claim statement reads.
Valis Properties is now demanding for the immediate payment of the whole amount being claimed being the outstanding amount due for accommodation services rendered to Renard and Beaumelle.
Director of Sports at the Ministry Bessy Chelemu said yesterday the Ministry was aware of a pending payment but was surprised the matter had been taken to court as the payment was being processed.
“We know there is an outstanding amount but if they came here first before going to court, they would have seen that the payment is almost ready. The transfer of funds is almost being done,” she said.