By Correspondent
Norton Town Council (NTC) has taken Harare Council’s route, choosing to drag residents to court over unpaid bills.
In a statement this week, NTC said it will be approaching the Small Claims Court.
“NTC wishes to inform you that, in an effort to encourage timely payment of dues, we will be engaging with the Small Claims Court.
“This action aims to ensure that all outstanding payments are addressed fairly and efficiently.
“We encourage all residents to settle any outstanding dues to avoid potential legal proceedings,” it said.
Though he couldn’t state the actual figure, an official said companies owed more to Council.
“Industries owe the bulk of the debt followed by businesses in the high and low-density areas of the town.”
“Private land developers also owe a huge chunk of the money,” he said.
Sections 279 and 281 of the Urban Councils Act, empower local authorities to institute legal proceedings to recover debts.
“The person who is the owner of any property on the date on which any rate fixed and levied by the council becomes due and payable shall be primarily liable for that rate,” it says.
Debt Collecting
Many Local Authorities have had to resort to the use of Courts to recover their money.
In April Harare issued more than 1 000 court summonses to residents and businesses.
It is owed over US$70 million in unpaid rates.
Therefore, more than 1 000 ratepayers with overdue balances exceeding 60 days received 14-day letters of final demand.
In the case they fail to respond legal action is taken.
Bulawayo City Council (BCC) also disconnected water supplies to more than 2 000 properties in the city early this year.
It has also initiated legal proceedings on 650 households to recover over US$45,8 million it is owed by defaulters.
However, like Norton, BCC has clashed with residents over overstated bills despite going for weeks without water due to water-shedding.
