Harare City Council has said building plan approvals and inspection fees are to be paid exclusively in US dollars.
The Council is only awaiting approval from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.
“Council wishes to advise its valued residents and stakeholders that certain fees chargeable by council are now payable exclusively in United States dollars.
“The fees exclude all charges that are accessible through the monthly bills i.e. water consumption, sewerage, refuse collection and rates and the above mentioned charges will remain open to being payable using multi-currency as may be opted by the client.
“This development is in line with council’s resolution made on the 3rd of August 2022 and the need to capacitate council to continue sustaining service delivery,” read a council statement.
The US dollar tariffs were released in June 2022 with building plans and inspection fees quoted in what observers described as steep charges then.
Residents described the new fees as “madness” and a clear sign of desperation by the financially hamstrung council to increase its revenue generation.
Permit fees for trenching and gravel extraction have also been pegged in US dollars.
Below are the City Architect’s fees and penalties now quoted exclusively in US dollars:
HIGH DENSITY AREA: RESIDENTIAL
Main House 343
Out Building 343
Double Storey 354
Minimum Charge 343
Boundary Wall 100
LOW DENSITY AREA: RESIDENTIAL
Single Storey 505
Double Storey 675
Multi Storey 1 293
2nd Dwelling 505
Out Building and Gazebo 404
Pools (Fixed) 202
Pre-Fabricated (Fixed) 395
Boundary Wall/Brickwork Per Metre Run 162
Minimum Charges (Fixed) 520
FLATS, TOWNHOUSES, TERRACCED/CLUSTER
Single Storey 707
Double Storey 2 021
Multi Storey 3 233
Minimum Fees 758
