Norton Adopts Hardman Tactics to Increase Revenue

By Correspondent

Norton Town Council will employ litigation as a measure to try and increase revenue from the current 21% to 60% by the second quarter of 2024.

The local authority said currently it is getting a paltry $0.17 for every $1 billed.

“Revenue Collection efficiency should improve from 21% to at least 60% in the 2nd quarter.

“Liquidation of creditors should (also) be a priority in the 1st quarter.

NTC added that there will be programmes for continuous stakeholder engagements.

The budget performance as at 30 April 2024 was 17%translating to ZWL$0.17 for every ZWL$1 billed.

This was a decrease by 4 percentage from the February 2024 collection rate of 21%.

Revenue Collection Measures

The Council has since set in place various measures to increase revenue collection.

These include improving debt collection exercise from the residents and ratepayers.

Creation of a debt collection through recruitment of a Credit Controller.

NTC also aims to create joint revenue collection exercise between programme managers and Council police.

In an effort to deal with defaulters, Council will now be charging interest on overdue accounts.

For land developers, litigation and land debt swap arrangement will be undertaken.

Black listing of ratepayers with the Financial Services Bureau and litigation of outstanding debtors through the Court processes will also be effected.