I found something interesting in IVerify - Yes, National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA) has closed Society Business Park due to safety concerns

Yes, National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA) has closed Society Business Park due to safety concerns

True

In a statement issued by NAPSA Board Chairperson Mr. Shipango Muteto, the closure of the business park was announced as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of tenants and the public. While the retail mall and hotel tower were found to be structurally sound, the car park and office block were deemed unsafe for continued use. Due to their direct connection to the hotel and retail mall through shared facilities, the entire business park was closed to protect human life.

Tenants were given a ten-day notice to vacate, and NAPSA is implementing various measures to support them during this transition. These measures include refunding security deposits and advance rental payments, as well as assisting tenants in finding alternative locations.

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Verified Aug, 28 2024

Claim

On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, social media platforms reported that the National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA) had closed Society Business Park in Lusaka with immediate effect until further notice. The reports followed an announcement from NAPSA that it had closed the business park due to safety considerations for tenants and the public who frequented the building.

Rating Justification

iVerify Zambia has verified and determined that it is true that the National Pensions Scheme Authority (NAPSA) has closed Society Business Park in Lusaka central business district with immediate effect.
In a statement accessed by iVerify Zambia, the NAPSA Board Chairperson, Mr. Shipango Muteto, revealed that the decision to close the business park was a precautionary measure to protect the safety of tenants and the public.
He stated that while a structural assessment report revealed that the retail mall and hotel tower were structurally sound, the car park and the office block were not safe for continued occupancy, and because they are directly linked to the hotel and the retail mall through common facilities, the Authority had decided to close the entire business park to protect and safeguard human life.
Mr. Muteto further said that tenants have been given a ten-day notice to vacate the premises, and that NAPSA is implementing various measures to support the tenants during this transition, including refunding security deposits and advance rental payments and assisting with finding alternative locations.
He added that to prevent damage to property and maintain security, NAPSA has deployed additional security personnel. Additionally, the Authority is assessing the financial loss incurred due to the closure and exploring options for the future of the business park.
Mr. Muteto advised the public to contact NAPSA for queries or any clarifications on the matter.

Evidence and References

Official Statement by Mr Shipango Muteto, Chairperson of The Board of Trustees of NAPSA on the temporary closure of Society Business Park https://www.facebook.com/YourNAPSA/posts/pfbid02brtniub5MqyutbUGZJsL6ZgfNMqjFjB9dK8QEWXDopcn4ZT5FhrWvJH2EEZBdNQRl
Official Press Statement 2020 – Update On Society Business Park Office Block Column Failure by Yollard Kachinda, Director General
https://www.napsa.co.zm/update-on-society-business-park-office-block-column-failure/

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