By Andrew Muvishi
Marondera Municipality has intensified efforts to recover debts that have ballooned to more than $84 million ZiG.
Council has warned that the arrears are crippling service delivery and threatening the city’s sustainability.
Council records show that the debt is spread across several categories.
Domestic households lead at $38.4 million ZiG, while commercial entities owe $27 million ZiG, and industry owes $7.3 million ZiG.
Government departments have defaulted to the tune of $6.9 million ZiG, and other institutions collectively owe $3.6 million ZiG.
The figures were revealed during a budget review meeting held at the council chambers.
“Council debtors currently stand at approximately $84.8 million ZiG, distributed across various wards and customer categories,” said the chairman of finance and general purposes, Cllr Hilton Chipashu.
“Despite progress made by the council, low debt servicing compliance by ratepayers continues to affect operations and service delivery.”
In response to the mounting crisis, the municipality has embarked on a multi-pronged debt recovery strategy.
Summons have been issued to defaulting ratepayers, while the Messenger of the Court has been engaged to enforce payments.
At the same time, the council is offering payment plans to ease the burden on struggling households and businesses, signalling a willingness to balance enforcement with compassion.
Municipal officials say the measures are necessary to restore financial stability and ensure residents receive the services they deserve.
“We cannot continue to provide services without revenue. Everyone must play their part by honouring their obligations,” said one council official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The authority has stressed that while payment plans are available, habitual defaulters will face legal consequences.
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