Gweru Council recovers US$450,000 in debt blitz crackdown

Gweru City Council (GCC) says it has recovered US$450 000 following an ongoing enforcement blitz targeting residents and businesses with outstanding bills, as part of efforts to improve revenue collection for service delivery.

The local authority had set a recovery target of US$1,5 million, with the operation continuing across the city as council moves to clamp down on defaulters.

Council spokesperson Ms Vimbai Chingwaramusee confirmed that the exercise has so far resulted in the closure of 30 business premises, 28 of which have since settled their arrears and resumed operations.

"Yes, there was a blitz targeting debtors, and the blitz is ongoing. Thirty premises were shut down while 28 premises settled their bills," she said. "We expected to recover US$1,5 million. However, we have so far recovered US$450 000. The blitz was successful."

Ms Chingwaramusee said the operation is part of a broader push to strengthen compliance among ratepayers, with legal enforcement measures also intensifying against persistent defaulters.

She revealed that council has issued 400 summons to defaulters, while 30 properties have already been attached as part of ongoing recovery efforts.

Ms Chingwaramusee urged residents and businesses to settle their accounts or engage council early to avoid punitive action.

"Don't ignore your rates and utility bills, as delays can lead to legal action, which might lead to attachment of property, service disconnections and additional costs," she said.

"If you have arrears, visit city council offices immediately and apply for a payment plan."

She added that rates and utility payments are critical for sustaining essential services such as water supply, sewer maintenance and refuse collection.

"Paying rates and utility charges is not only a legal obligation but also helps fund essential services such as water supply, sewer, and refuse," she said.

"The best way to avoid litigation is to engage early and pay your bills timeously. We don't have incentives; for us, the best we can get is quality services."

Ms Chingwaramusee reiterated that council remains open to negotiated payment plans for compliant ratepayers, noting that the blitz will continue until revenue targets are met.