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Defence Ministry tops Mutare City debtors list
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The Ministry of Defence has emerged as the largest debtor of Mutare City Council, with several other government ministries and entities also owing the local authority millions of dollars, negatively affecting service delivery in the eastern border city.
The revelations were made in the city's half-year performance report, released by town clerk Blessing Chafesuka. The report assesses the six-month performance of the council, informs planning for 2026, and provides feedback on budget execution and service delivery.
According to the report, the Defence ministry owes ZWL$40 609 524,13 in unpaid bills, followed by Mutasa Rural District Council at ZWL$24 071 129,43. Other notable debtors include the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, National Railways of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe National Water Authority, and Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
Chafesuka said the council is taking steps to recover outstanding debts, including issuing letters of final demand and court summonses. "Payment plans are accepted. Water rationing has also been initiated, and disconnection of services is applied in extreme cases," he said.
On a positive note, the council has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences. Students enrolling in the institute are guaranteed employment upon completion of the one-year internationally-recognised course, particularly in fire services. Chafesuka said the council is engaging with corporates and other local authorities to provide job placements for graduates.
The report also highlighted successful municipal initiatives, including the recently concluded Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo and continued support for Grant Reef Airport. Council resources, including engineers, dozers, and fire trucks, were deployed to assist with airport operations and respond to veld fires in the region.
Additionally, Chafesuka confirmed that the council had finalised its 2024 financial statements and submitted them to the Auditor-General within the statutory period, marking a key milestone in accountability and transparency.
The revelations were made in the city's half-year performance report, released by town clerk Blessing Chafesuka. The report assesses the six-month performance of the council, informs planning for 2026, and provides feedback on budget execution and service delivery.
According to the report, the Defence ministry owes ZWL$40 609 524,13 in unpaid bills, followed by Mutasa Rural District Council at ZWL$24 071 129,43. Other notable debtors include the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, National Railways of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe National Water Authority, and Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority.
Chafesuka said the council is taking steps to recover outstanding debts, including issuing letters of final demand and court summonses. "Payment plans are accepted. Water rationing has also been initiated, and disconnection of services is applied in extreme cases," he said.
On a positive note, the council has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences. Students enrolling in the institute are guaranteed employment upon completion of the one-year internationally-recognised course, particularly in fire services. Chafesuka said the council is engaging with corporates and other local authorities to provide job placements for graduates.
The report also highlighted successful municipal initiatives, including the recently concluded Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo and continued support for Grant Reef Airport. Council resources, including engineers, dozers, and fire trucks, were deployed to assist with airport operations and respond to veld fires in the region.
Additionally, Chafesuka confirmed that the council had finalised its 2024 financial statements and submitted them to the Auditor-General within the statutory period, marking a key milestone in accountability and transparency.
Source - Newsday
