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Traders fear for the future of their businesses
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Traders fear for the future of their businesses
A great number of traders in Port-Louis are getting more and more anxious after the judgement of the Fair Rent Tribunal against Jean Tang, a trader who rents the premises of his shop. The tribunal ruled that the rental fees of the building should increase considerably. The Rs 4,000 monthly rent he now pays should gradually increase to Rs 51,000 in six years ? that is in 2012.
Even though he is the only one to face such a ruling for the moment, many other shopkeepers fear for the future of their businesses. If they had to pay such an amount in 2012, many know their businesses would no longer be viable. The owner of the building lodged the case in court after the Landlords and Tenants (Amendment) Act was introduced in Parliament last year. This act allows any building owner to call upon an independent professional to assess the real rental value of the building. This law also enables them to call upon the Fair Rent Tribunal if the tenant does not agree with the price assessed.
The 300 traders who feel they are under threat have joined the Association of tenant traders and professionals and want the government to amend the law. They have threatened to take to the streets, reduce their staff, stop selling their goods or even go on a hunger strike if the government keeps its stand.
Even though they are not against a ?fair and equitable? formula for both parties, they say they can?t afford such a major increase as in the case of Jean Tang for instance ? the more so as their turnover is decreasing because of hawkers. Many traders are also against the idea of paying more to owners of premises because some of these buildings are in such a state of dereliction that insurers have even refused to insure their goods on sale.
They have asked for a meeting with the minister of Lands and Housing, Asraf Dulull, to make their point and persuade him to change the situation. When the issue was raised by the government MP, Lormus Bundhoo, in Parliament, the minister indeed replied that, in view of the complaints he has received, he could well review the act. But he made it clear that this would occur only after discussions with all stakeholders.
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