High water bills in waterless Bulawayo rile residents

ASTRONOMICAL water bills have resurfaced in Bulawayo sparking outrage from residents who are now accusing the city council of trying to make up for the potential revenue lost following the cancellation of debts.

According to the Bulawayo City Council, revenue collection in the city went down to $2,4 million from $6,9 million per month when the local authority cancelled the debts.

The Government issued a directive in July ordering all 92 local authorities to write off utility bills owed by individual ratepayers from February 2009 to 30 June 2013.

President Mugabe said during the run-up to the 31 July harmonised elections that the directive was meant to bring relief to millions of Zimbabweans who have been economically disempowered by illegal sanctions imposed by Western countries at the instigation of MDC-T in its bid to force regime change.

Residents who spoke to Chronicle questioned the council's billing system after receiving huge amounts coming barely four months after the cancellation of their debts.

A resident of Emganwini said he received a bill of more than $800.

"I received a bill of $859 which is unrealistic for a family of six considering that three of us rarely spend time at home as we will be at work," he said.

"When I went to ask about the issue from the city council I was told we used a lot of water."

Another resident, Mrs Martha Mhlanga, said she was shocked to receive a bill of $66,69 for the month of October.

"In September I managed to clear the outstanding balance of $10,97, only to receive a bill of $66, 69. I do not understand the bill since I spend most of my time at work and my children will be at school.

"I am angry because the city council is overcharging us, almost everyone in the queue today was complaining about this," said Mrs Mhlanga, who was at the Revenue Hall.

A resident from Pumula South said the council should be transparent in its billing system.

"The city council should update us on any developments and if there are any changes regarding water charges they should inform us," she said.

A resident from Pelandaba, who declined to be named, said her bill could be based on estimated figures, arguing that she had never seen council workers visiting her house for meter reading.

Bulawayo United Residents' Association (Bura) chairperson Mr Winos Dube also challenged the council's billing system, saying they would engage the local authority over the issue.

Contacted for comment, the senior public relations officer Mrs Nesisa Mpofu said the affected residents should visit the city council offices for clarification.

"The clients should bring their bills and their receipts to our offices so that we can look into their cases," said Mrs Mpofu.