Building plans exclusively in US dollars

H-Metro Reporter

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