Johnson Progress

Parastatals owe Harare City Council ZiG64 million, contributing to the city’s massive debt burden of over ZiG8 billion.

Residential property owners account for the bulk of the debt, owing ZiG5 billion, while commercial and industrial sectors owe ZiG1.09 billion and ZiG1.05 billion, respectively.

The City Council is taking stern measures to recover the debt, warning ratepayers to settle their outstanding balances urgently.

Failure to comply may result in business closures and residents losing their properties through court orders.

According to Acting Head Revenue, Alfred Guni, the city’s operational efficiency and service delivery are under threat due to the huge debt.

The outstanding debts to Harare City Council are broken down as residential property owners owe ZiG5 billion, while the commercial sector and industry owe ZiG1.09 billion and ZiG1.05 billion, respectively.

Additionally, parastatals owe ZiG64 million, and the government owes ZiG167 million.

Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) owes a significant ZiG455 million, while dormitory towns owe ZiG345 million.

Furthermore, municipal property tenants owe ZiG58 million, contributing to the city’s massive debt burden of over ZiG8 billion.

In a bid to recover the debt, the City Council has been issuing final demands and summons to debtors.

This move is expected to help the city improve its service delivery and operational efficiency.

The council’s efforts to recover the debt come after it was revealed that the city’s infrastructure has been severely affected by years of unpaid bills.

The City Council’s ability to provide essential services has been negatively impacted by the unpaid bills.

The council is urging ratepayers to settle their debts to enable the city to maintain its services.

The debt recovery efforts are part of the city’s strategy to improve its financial sustainability.