News / National
Govt writes off all outstanding water bills
22 Jul 2013 at 18:43hrs | Views
The government has directed rural and urban councils to write off all outstanding debts for utilities from 2009 to June 2013.
Rural and urban residents have been battling to pay bills since the transition to the multi-currency system.
Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister, Dr Ignatius Chombo said the sanctions induced an adverse macro-economic environment.
The underperforming economy and high unemployment have made it difficult for many citizens to meet their obligations, necessitating the scrapping of debts.
"In terms of section 133 of the Rural District Councils Act chapter 29:13 as read with section 303 of the Rural, Urban Councils Act chapter 29:15 councils are directed to write off debts in respect of rentals, unit tax, development levy, refuse charges and water and sewer fees as at 30 June 2013.
Similarly, amounts owed by residents in respect of rates since February 2009 stand prescribed in terms of section 15 of the Prescription Act chapter8:11," said Dr Chombo.
Rural and urban residents have been battling to pay bills since the transition to the multi-currency system.
Local Government, Rural and Urban Development Minister, Dr Ignatius Chombo said the sanctions induced an adverse macro-economic environment.
The underperforming economy and high unemployment have made it difficult for many citizens to meet their obligations, necessitating the scrapping of debts.
"In terms of section 133 of the Rural District Councils Act chapter 29:13 as read with section 303 of the Rural, Urban Councils Act chapter 29:15 councils are directed to write off debts in respect of rentals, unit tax, development levy, refuse charges and water and sewer fees as at 30 June 2013.
Similarly, amounts owed by residents in respect of rates since February 2009 stand prescribed in terms of section 15 of the Prescription Act chapter8:11," said Dr Chombo.
Source - zbc
