City Council attaches 50 houses

The Harare City Council (HCC) has seized over 50 properties from residents and businesses that have defaulted on paying their monthly rates. More than 4,000 ratepayers with overdue balances exceeding 60 days have received court summonses after ignoring 14-day final demand letters to settle their debts. Some have negotiated payment plans to avoid court action.

In an interview with The Sunday Mail, HCC town clerk Engineer Hosiah Chisango said, "We have started attaching houses, and more than 50 houses have been attached so far. We randomly picked the houses across the city and we are intensifying the programme so that residents pay their bills on time."

Eng. Chisango noted that this action aligns with Sections 279 and 281 of the Urban Councils Act, which empower local authorities to take legal measures to recover debts. The City of Harare is focusing on residents who owe more than two months' rates and did not respond to letters of demand, intending to proceed by issuing warrants of execution.

"We gave those who are defaulting more than enough time to come through and settle their bills," he said. "We publicly warned them, made follow-ups, and served summonses before attaching the properties. The current debt is paralyzing council operations, and the council has been left with no choice except to take legal action."

The council is owed more than ZiG940 million.