Harare City Council says it is owed more than ZiG$8 billion by ratepayers and has warned of tough measures to recover the money, warning that continued non-payment is crippling service delivery.
The figures were revealed in the latest Debtors’ Age Analysis Report presented by Acting Head of Revenue, Alfred Guni, during an update meeting on central business district operations and the regularisation of dysfunctional settlements programme.
Guni said the level of outstanding debt was alarmingly high and was undermining the city’s ability to operate effectively.
“The City is urging its stakeholders to urgently clear their debts, warning that continued non-payment threatens service delivery and the city’s operational efficiency,” he said.
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He added that the council would implement stern measures to recover what it is owed, including possible business closures and legal action.
“We are urging ratepayers to settle as soon as possible to avoid inconveniences of business closures and residents losing their properties through court orders,” Guni said.
According to the report, residential property owners account for the largest share of the debt at ZiG$5 billion, followed by the commercial sector at ZiG$1.09 billion, and industry at ZiG$1.05 billion.
Other major debtors include government departments owing ZiG$167 million, ZESA with ZiG$455 million, dormitory towns with ZiG$345 million, and parastatals with ZiG$64 million. Sundry debtors owe ZiG$31 million, while municipal property tenants owe ZiG$58 million.
City officials say recovering these funds is critical to sustaining operations and improving service delivery across the capital.
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