Bulawayo companies seek debt cancellations

A number of Bulawayo companies have approached the city authorities seeking rates exemption, a clear indication that all was not well in the country's second largest city's economy which has seen more than 100 companies closing shop since 2009.

The Bulawayo City Council in January 2014 announced a cocktail incentives, among them a once off 50% discount on amounts owed, if the arrears were settled before June 30, in a bid to ease the burden on Bulawayo's struggling industries.

It also relaxed its intensive water rationing schedule and waived penalties and interest rates on accounts owing.