Harare council warn of massive disconnections

Harare City council has warned defaulting residents that it is embarking on intense water cuts with immediate effect.

"Please take note that with immediate effect the City of Harare will be intensifying its debt collection efforts. Ratepayers will witness enhanced disconnections, legal and other efforts meant to recover the unsustainable huge sums owed to the City" it said in a notice today.

"The continued default on part of our debtors/ratepayers or other partners is adversely impacting the City's service delivery efforts.

"Ratepayers are therefore requested to immediately settle their accounts with the City.

"Disputed bills or part thereof shall not absolve ratepayers of the aforementioned actions by the City of Harare".

 During a budget consultative meeting, city official said they are surviving on a shoestring budget while debtors owe $380 million against a 2015 budget of $390 million.

On average the city is collecting just 55 percent of their billing.

 However, Government owes over $50 million to the country's major municipalities, Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru, and Masvingo as arrears for service delivered.

Masvingo is owed the largest chunk of  $28 million. Most of the debt was accumulated at the Zimbabwe National Army's 4.1 and 4.2 barracks and the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

Harare is owe $13 million by various government departments.

Government debt for the City of Bulawayo at the end of August stood at $3,5 million while it owes Mutare $1 million.