Harare Residents Trust lobby for removal of fixed water charge

Harare Residents Trust has continued to  lobby for the removal of fixed water charge saying the council has no justification for its existence.

HRT said for high density suburbs, property tax $6, refuse $6.50
Sewer $4, fixed Water charge $4, total: $20, and this amount excludes water consumption and VAT.

"When your property does not have title deeds, the council is charging residents a US$5 admin charge, but they have not explained how this money is used. But to those with title deeds, please take note that the council does not include the US$5 on your bill," said HRT.

"The HRT continues to lobby and advocate for the removal of the fixed water charge because there is no justification for its existence. Water revenue should be ploughed back to upgrade the water infrastructure but so far water revenues are subject to rampant abuse, and the council has been unable to fully account for the millions they generate every month from water, their current cash cow."

The trust said it is important to get the explanations from the City of Harare on the use of the US$5 admin charge they have imposed on residents' bills.

"This has been a question we have encountered on several occasions in the communities where residents with or without title deeds find no real differences in their billing, in terms of the services they receive from the City of Harare," said the trust.