THE National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) has dragged the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) to court, demanding payment of K316,833, being outstanding rental arrears for its premises in Solwezi and over K100,000 for a Chinsali property.

NAPSA also wants the Lusaka High Court to order RTSA to pay it K82,544, being outstanding utility charges in respect of the premises otherwise known as plot no. 240 or indeed any other amounts that the court would find as owing from RTSA.

The Authority further wants an order for payment of K108, 948.24, being outstanding rental arrears being owed to it in respect of the premises otherwise known as stand no. 1960, NAPSA house, Chinsali, in Muchinga Province or indeed any other amounts that the court would find as owing from the defendant.

NAPSA wants payment of K17,064.98, being outstanding utility charges owing to it in respect of the premises otherwise known as stand no. 1960, NAPSA house, Chinsali as of March 2022, an order for possession of the stand, interest on all amounts outstanding, costs and any other relief the court would deem fit.

NAPSA stated in its statement of claim filed in court that it was responsible and entrusted with the funds of its members, which funds were used to invest in properties such as the one which was occupied by the defendant.

The Authority stated that RTSA was its tenant for purposes of its branch situated at plot no. 240 in Solwezi and stand no. 1960 in Chinsali, respectively.

NAPSA stated that it entered into tenancy agreements with RTSA for the possession and occupancy of the two premises in Solwezi and Chinsali, adding that arising from the said tenancy agreements, the Agency has throughout the term of its occupation and use of the premises been liable to pay the agreed monthly rent and other utility charges, including the cost of water and electricity.

“The plaintiff will aver that the defendant has unjustifiably refused, failed and neglected to settle its rent and utility charges which stand at K525,390.70,” the Authority stated.

NAPSA stated that despite several follow-ups, RTSA has failed or neglected to fulfill its obligation to settle the outstanding rental arrears as it continues to remain in debt.

The Authority stated that RTSA has no defence in the matter as it has on several occasions via correspondence with it admitted to owing rentals and utility charges.

NAPSA stated that due to RTSA’s continued failure, neglect, and/or deliberate refusal to honour its obligations, the Authority has continued to incur and suffer loss of the much-needed returns which it uses to payout pension benefits to its retired members.