Chitungwiza battles to recover $13 billion in util...

Chitungwiza battles to recover $13 billion in utility debts

Audrey Galawu

Chitungwiza Council has said it is effecting ake legal action for debt recovery for the ZWL$13 billion owed by residents, commercial and industrial clients.

“All those who owe Council are being given up to 10 November, 2023 to settle their bills,” resaid council in a public statement which went on to state that legal action would be taken against defaulters who would also have their water supplies cut off.

The town recently confirmed three cases of cholera with fears that the number could increase.

“Speaking to Zim Now, Chitungwiza Residents Association director Alice Kuvheya said the warning the warning is nothing but an empty threat.

“As Chitrest we have a court order that compels Chitungwiza council to give us potable tap water. There are some areas that have not received tap water from ten or twenty years due to old infrastructure.

“Which water do they want to close? We already do not have tap water as residents, we are buying water. We last received tap water before the elections so they can come and do whatever they want.

“We advised the council to regularise houses, over 55 000 houses that need to be regularise so that the council can get revenue from them but they have not made any action towards that. All they want is to threaten residents. We are waiting for them; we cannot pay for what we are not getting. I cannot pay for water when they are working with estimates,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the residents, Loyd Mashayamombe said residents cannot be intimidated to pay for services they do not receive.

“What difference does it make, either way we do rarely have tap water. Make the commodity available and people will pay,” he said.

Chitungwiza has over 55 000 unregularised houses some of which are receiving council services without paying for the services.

Last year, the council offered both commercial and residential unregularised properties holders a chance to pay US$1 936 or the equivalent for regularisation. The offer was extended to Zengeza, St Mary’s, Seke South and Seke North property holders.