Council issues summons to defaulting ratepayers

THE Harare City Council has started issuing summons to defaulting ratepayers in a bid to recover part of the huge debt which has compromised its operations.

Town Clerk, Engineer Hosiah Chisango, said that low collection efficiency could lead to inefficient resource allocation, inability to meet service demands, inability to invest in infrastructure and increased debt.

“The City of Harare has started issuing summons to residents, organisations and companies who have defaulted on settling their debts.

“We, therefore, urge ratepayers to settle their debts before going through the inconvenience of being taken to court.”

Eng Chisango said those who have been served with summons but are willing to settle, or have settled, can contact the Council’s accounts department to avoid the court processes.

In March, Eng Chisango said Council had reached an all-time low in terms of revenue collection because it has not made reasonable efforts to collect what it is owed. H-Metro