Gweru to offer 30 percent discount for rates paid ...

Gweru to offer 30 percent discount for rates paid in USD

Zim Now Writer

Gweru City Council has resolved to offer a 30 percent to ratepayers wishing to settle their bills in United States dollars as the local authority tries to get foreign currency for use in procurement of fuel as well as payment of service providers who demand foreign currency.

This comes as local authorities across the country have started indexing their bills in foreign currency.

Ratepayers can, however, still settle their bills in Zimbabwe dollars using the prevailing bank rate.

Gweru is owed over ZWL$4 billion by residents and other ratepayers and last year, council attached movable property of 483 defaulting residents and companies, resulting in the recovery of ZWL$18 million.

Gweru Mayor Councillor Hamutendi Kombayi, while addressing a recent full council meeting, said the local authority is struggling to buy essentials such as fuel due to a lack of forex.

“We need to have a promotion that encourages our residents and ratepayers to pay their bills in United States dollars because we are facing challenges in buying fuel using local currency,” he said.

Cllr Kombayi said other local authorities such as Mutare were running promotions, encouraging residents to pay their bills in foreign currency, enabling them to buy equipment and pay part of their employees’ salaries in forex.

“As GCC we need to be innovative and have our own promotions as well. We need to entice residents and ratepayers to come forward and settle their bills in forex so that we improve service delivery,” said Cllr Kombayi.

The mayor also urged government to review procurement regulations for local authorities in line with the prevailing economic situation.

Gweru Residents Trust chairperson, Antony Madzivanyika welcomed the proposed discount, adding however that council should also come up with incentives for residents and ratepayers who were up to date with their bills.

“We need such initiatives that encourage residents and companies to pay their bills. If we all settle our bills council will definitely improve service delivery,” said Madzivanyika.