MUTARE – MUTARE City Council’s debtors rose from $571 131 451.18 in January to $911 329 512.55 as of July 31 2021 resulting in council’s collection efficiency taking a nose dive.
Addressing residents and stakeholders at a State of The City Address on Tuesday Mutare Mayor Blessing Tandi said the city’s operations were being choked by the ballooning debt.
“This Council is still going through a very difficult period; the ballooning debt is a major cause for concern. Currently, council is owed more than $ZW 900 Million. The debt has affected the smooth flow of service delivery,” said Tandi.
“The ballooning debt is a cause for concern and it affects the smooth flow of service delivery. Residents associations and trusts we expect you to be visible and to educate your members about the obligations they have in the day to day running of the city,” he said.
The Mayor said council was urging its valued ratepayers to enter into payment plans whereby they will be paying the current bills and clearing their arrears to avoid inconveniences such as litigation and water disconnections.
“We would like to salute and thank our obedient ratepayers and customers who have religiously honoured their monthly obligations. We call upon every property holder, residents and customers to prioritize payment of dues. We urge those in arrears to approach our respective centres and make payment plans in order to reduce the burden,” Tandi said.
“We have since come up with a promotional award to appreciate those who are paying their dues in hard currency. The monthly up to date USD promotion has become a household name and it has also resulted in many customers and stakeholders walking away with various branded prizes,” he said.
Tandi said the council’s legal section has worked on revamping Debt Collection by handling it collectively with the Finance Department.
“Litigation is our last resort and our priority is on negotiations and out of court settlements which are also less costly to council,” said Tandi.
Meanwhile, Tandi said council has made good progress in retiring the perennial water challenges in Dangamvura.
“Upon receiving material from ADB–Zimfund project, council mobilized internal funding to execute the woks and so far the project is at 93%. The progress was slightly delayed by the cancellation of the ZimFund tender for steel pipes and fittings and the process had to be restarted,” he said.
“Due to the COVID-19 restrictions and the disturbances, which took place in South Africa delivery of these outstanding materials is expected by the 30th of September 2021,” the Mayor said.
He said council had to carry out major works which were not budgeted for after realizing that part of the mainline infrastructure had developed some deficiencies.
“That delayed the project completion as more works and resources were now needed to execute the task. I still maintain the same commitment that Dangamvura residents will this year receive a new lease of life
and that water supply will improve,” Tandi declared.
The project was previously initiated in 2007 and eventually stopped in 2012 following a botched water pipes deal that saw a named company failing to supply and fix water pipes that could have helped alleviate water woes in the high density suburb.
