Hwange to repossess stands to recover US$6m

The Hwange Local Board (HLB) has moved to repossess undeveloped and unpaid properties as part of efforts to recover more than US$6.4 million owed by ratepayers - a crippling debt that has stalled several development projects in the coal-mining town.

According to HLB Town Secretary Ndumiso Mdlalose, the bulk of the debt is from outstanding property taxes, while the council itself owes about ZiG11.4 million, largely to statutory bodies.

"The legal route is our last resort, as we have always sought to maintain a cordial relationship with our stakeholders," said Mdlalose in a statement.

The council has issued final demand letters to defaulters and begun legal proceedings against property owners who have not paid rates for over 120 days.

Mdlalose said the local authority had previously adopted softer recovery methods - such as door-to-door debt collection, payment notices, and service clearance schemes - which helped improve revenue collection from 22% to just over 30% in recent months.

However, with arrears still mounting, the council has shifted focus to land beneficiaries who have not paid for residential, commercial, or industrial stands.

"We are simply enforcing accountability and ensuring that land and properties are utilized productively," Mdlalose said.
"Repossession is a last measure, but we must protect council land from speculation and ensure value for our community."

The repossession exercise has already started in the Don Bosco low-density area, and public notices are expected to follow soon, inviting affected property owners to regularize their accounts before action is taken.

The debt overhang has severely affected service delivery, delaying several infrastructure projects, including the Empumalanga Flea Market, which remains 40% complete. The project requires US$100,000 to finish and is intended to provide organized trading spaces for small and informal businesses.

"We are actively seeking partners to help us complete the flea market, as it is key to promoting local economic growth and providing decent trading facilities," Mdlalose said.

HLB has also invited expressions of interest for the rehabilitation of Nengasha Stadium, a key recreational facility, and announced plans to begin construction of a new primary school at Dynamic Village next month.

The school - starting with two classroom blocks - is expected to relieve pressure on Nechibondo Primary School, which has resorted to hot-sitting due to overcrowding.

The local authority is also planning to construct modern market stalls at various points in its jurisdiction to formalize informal trading and improve hygiene standards.

Despite financial challenges, Mdlalose said HLB remains determined to enhance efficiency and transparency in service delivery.

"Hwange Local Board remains committed to improving service delivery, strengthening stakeholder relations, and accelerating local development despite financial constraints," he said.

The council's firm stance on debt recovery and property repossession marks one of its most aggressive efforts yet to stabilize its finances and revive stalled projects in one of Zimbabwe's most strategic mining towns.