Ashley Masakadza

The Harare City Council has adopted a radical stance to recover the debt of over  Zig$940 million owed by residents, businesses, parastatals and government, which involves legal action and public shaming to those who fail to settle their debts.

This publication understands that the City Council has started the process of issuing summons and demands to its debtors and will soon  embark on a name and shame exercise to encourage debtors to settle if they fail to honour their payments.

“The names of debtors will be posted on our social media platforms and at all district offices in Harare. For swift resolution, the Council is  urging residents and businesses to take advantage of the flexible banking hall hours to  settle their debts.

“To avoid the inconveniences of being taken to court with the possibility of losing property like houses, debtors are urged to immediately settle with the City. Our banking halls are open every week day from 8am to 5pm.”

Speaking to State of the Nation News, Harare City Council Spokesperson Stanley Gama said the summons are being issued daily and those who fail to comply risk losing their properties.

“The summons are being issued daily and some have already been served. Those that owe the City risk losing property through the courts. As the statement mentions, those who owe will be named,” said Gama.

He said the money is needed to run the daily business and service delivery operations of the City Council.