Gwanda unceremoniously doubles tariffs

In a very bizarre turn of events the Municipality of Gwanda has without warning double up most of its tariffs beginning January this year.

Reports from within the residents indicate council sent out bills for February 2014 with lease rentals and other tariffs increased by 100%.

The increases brought the lease rental for the Old Jahunda township houses most occupied by the town's most under privileged to a whooping $48 from a $24 that was already un affordable by the people.

Presenting the 2014 budget to council on the eve of Christmas, Finance and Licensing Committee Chairman Councillor Johane Ncube indicated that the Municipality was not going to be making any tariff increases for the 2014 financial year.

"The Municipality of Gwanda proposes not to increase most of its charges for community services and high density areas so as to leave the most needy and poor households cushioned from prevailing negative economic effects," he said.

"Most of the 2013 charges shall therefore be maintained at the current levels which I feel are reasonably low."

However, in contrast to what the budget said, Council has gone on to increase the tariffs by a whooping 100% without consulting residents or presenting a supplementary budget.

Residents expressed their anger and shock at this latest move from council.

"This is extremely ridiculous, we can't believe it. Council is taking us for granted maybe its because we have been too quite for all the years this time we are not going to take this lying down." Fumed Nkululeko Sibanda a resident of Jahunda Township.

"These guys are just confused they don't know what they are doing they run council like they are running tuck shops and this must come to an end. We will take the issue up as residents and refuse to pay until it is sorted." He added.

Contacted for a comment, one of the councillors who begged Bulawayo24 News not to publish his name claiming that there is "bad blood amongst the councillors on how Bulawayo24 News is getting council news"

He said he was also shocked to hear of the increase from the residents.

"I am equally shocked to be honest with you. As far as we are concerned as council there should be no increase on any tariffs this year. That's what we agreed as council and honestly I don't know where this times 2 (100% increase) rent is coming from. May be contact the mayor he will be able to help you," said the councillor ending the call.

A Senior Council official who also declined to be published claiming that he did not have authority to speak to the press indicated that all other tariffs in the budget were not increased except for rentals on leased council houses.

"Council felt that the $10 per room charged by council on the rental houses was too low and so the increase of the rental. I am however not authorised to divulge details you can contact the Mayor or Town Clerk for details" said the officer.

The general commercial going rate for rentals in Gwanda town per room is currently on an average of $60 excluding water and electricity.

Council units will now be pegged at $20 per room in Jahunda Township.

Efforts to get a comment from the Gwanda Residents Association were futile.