CEAR Protests Temporary Closure of Limbe Offices Over Disputed City Rates

Central East African Railways (CEAR) has expressed disappointment following a brief disruption of its operations after its offices in Limbe, Blantyre were sealed by officials from Blantyre City Council on Tuesday over alleged unpaid city rates.

According to CEAR spokesperson Wezzie Kaunda, council officers led by Blantyre City Mayor Isaac Jomo Osman closed the offices despite the company having no outstanding debt in property taxes.

Kaunda said the offices were later reopened after the company engaged the council’s finance department and provided documentation confirming that CEAR had fully settled its city rates.

In a statement, the rail company said the council should ensure it has supporting documents before taking enforcement action against businesses. CEAR also urged the council to prioritize dialogue and negotiations with companies before resorting to sealing premises.

On Tuesday, the city council conducted an exercise to seal several properties across the city over unpaid municipal rates.