CHINHOYI Municipality, which recently introduced a 50% rates cut promotion to induce payments by defaulting ratepayers, has so far raked in over $400 000 since the start of the debt-reduction exercise last month.
Report by Own Correspondent
As a result of the overwhelming response from residents in arrears, the promotion, which ran from April 8 to May 6 has been extended to next month.
Town clerk Shepherd Kamba last week said the extension would give defaulters ample time to pay and further help council’s precarious financial position.
“Council saw it prudent to extend the period of the promotion to June 6 so that we give people adequate time to mobilise their resources. Actually the promotion has given council some financial relief,” said Kamba.
Council, Kamba said, was exploring various avenues in order to recover $11,6 million owed by residents and ratepayers in unpaid rents, rates and other supplementary service charges.
Keep Reading
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Kamba said council would employ “friendly methods” to motivate ratepayers to settle their bills before taking more “punitive” measures.
Finance committee chairperson Richard Chafausipo said the first phase of the exercise excluded schools and churches, but the institutions would benefit from the rates cut following the extension period.
Chafausipo called on schools and churches to take advantage of the incentive and clear their arrears.