adminThis is despite assurances from the Mayor, Councillor Thaba Moyo that the controversial exercise has been stopped.
A notice of attachment and auctioning of property was advertised in the Press.
Two weeks ago at a meeting, Clr Moyo said a decision to suspend attaching residents’ property was with immediate effect.
He said councillors resolved that they would have to negotiate with debtors and agree on payment plans instead of attaching property.
However, contacted for comment yesterday on tomorrow’s auction, Clr Moyo professed ignorance on the development.
“I do not know about that. I have to check with the relevant department about the issue,” said Clr Moyo.
He said as council they did not want to continue with the auctioning of residents’ property, as the act was divisive.
“We do not want to continue with that route and we have to exhaust all other channels and avoid confrontation with the residents,” said Clr Moyo.
The items on auction include television sets, DVD players, stoves, fridges, lounge suites, microwaves, wheelbarrows, sewing machines, kitchen units, decoders and bathtubs.
The council has been battling to recover about $62 million it is owed by residents and companies as well as Government departments in unpaid bills.
Domestic debtors owe council about $35 million, the Government about $3,9 million while the industrial and commercial debtors owe about $23 million.
The attaching of property has drawn strong condemnation from residents in the city, who accuse the local authority of wanting to impoverish them.
Online Reporter