The Municipality of Chitungwiza has initiated a door-to-door campaign to recover around ZiG$160 million owed by ratepayers. Acting town clerk Japson Nemuseso announced that the campaign began on October 3 and will run until October 17. He noted that teams would be visiting residential areas and business centers equipped with point-of-sale machines, enabling residents to pay their bills from home or work.
The team consists of uniformed municipal police officers and cashiers, and they are accepting cash payments. In an interview with NewsDay, municipality spokesperson Tafadzwa Kachiko explained that the campaign was prompted by ratepayers’ reluctance to visit banks for bill payments. He stated, “This blitz targets residential and commercial properties, institutions, and industries, focusing on those who have defaulted on payments. We aim to reach at least 30,000 properties.”
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Kachiko emphasized the convenience of bringing payment services directly to residents, especially those who may struggle to visit revenue offices. However, he acknowledged challenges with internet connectivity and funding limitations affecting system upgrades. Ratepayers can also choose to pay their dues at banks.
He further noted that Chitungwiza faces significant service delivery challenges due to financial constraints and urged residents to pay their bills promptly to facilitate quicker responses to issues like sewer bursts, which require fuel for service vehicles.
Tendai Mareya, chairperson of the Chitungwiza Business Community Trust, expressed concerns that the council should have consulted with residents and ratepayers before launching the campaign, as it could have implications for them. While recognizing that the initiative could boost council revenue, he cautioned it might also lead to fraudulent activities targeting residents. Municipality of Chitungwiza
