By Correspondent
Chitungwiza Municipality has declared intentions to take businesses with debts to court, while residents have been urged to engage the authority.
This call was made during Budget Consultations held in Chitungwiza.
Speaking at Hunyani Bar in Chigovanyika, St Mary’s, Finance Director Dr Evangelista Machona highlighted the municipality’s financial challenges.
“Many residents are not paying their bills on time.
“Some are paying, and others are not even.
“Those not paying shelve their bill statements under their pillows.
“Should we take residents to debt collectors? No.
“Those whom we are sending to debt collectors are businesses.
“As for residents, we are saying let’s talk,” said Machona.
However, Machona added that some residents have already engaged Council for payment plans.
“Come to council for payment plans.
“Those who have taken up this option are very excited.
“They come and agree on amounts they can afford monthly,” she added.
Huge Debt
As of early October 2025, the Chitungwiza Municipality was owed over US$2 billion by ratepayers.
The debt has significantly impaired its ability to provide services and pay workers.
In response, the council has been taking aggressive steps to collect outstanding revenue.
Revenue collection efforts October 2024, the council launched a door-to-door revenue collection exercise.
It included deploying uniformed police officers and cashiers equipped with point-of-sale machines.
Currently, council charges US$3.53 for water, US$6.61 for sewer and US$4.04 for refuse collection.
This brings the standard rate card to US$14.18, and at least US$5 for property tax.
Chitungwiza’s average revenue collection rate has hovered between 60 and 70% over the past year.
This is better than Harare’s rate, which is just above 40%.
Once all budget consultations are completed, the proposed 2026 budget will be placed on public exhibition.
This allows residents and other stakeholders to acquaint themselves with it.
After that, it will be adopted by a Full Council and submitted to the government for approval.
