Bulawayo CBD, industrial areas top municipal debt list

THE Central Business District (CBD), industrial areas and eastern suburbs have emerged as Bulawayo’s highest debtors, accounting for the largest share of unpaid municipal bills, a recent Financial Health Report has revealed.

According to the local authority’s latest online publication, Masiyepambili Bulletin, the CBD contributes 15.8 percent of the city’s total debt, followed by industrial areas at 15.1 percent, while the eastern suburbs account for 10.1 percent.

“These figures highlight the concentration of debt among commercial and high-density economic zones,” reads the report.

The city has 183 404 billed accounts, with approximately 147 440—about 80 percent—falling into arrears exceeding 30 days, reflecting a growing trend of non-payment that continues to strain service delivery.

The local authority is owed more than ZiG2.2 billion in unpaid bills, translating to approximately US$133.8 million, prompting intensified efforts to recover the funds.

“Among the worst-affected areas, the City Centre (District 24) leads, with 5 398 accounts owing over US$21 million. Industrial areas (District 28) follow, with 3 087 accounts collectively owing around US$20 million.

“In the eastern suburbs, districts such as Mahatshula, Kumalo, Selborne Park and Parklands (District 25) contribute significantly, with more than 10 000 accounts owing over US$10 million,” reads part of the report.

Other heavily indebted areas include Pumula (District 57), Mpopoma (District 54) and the south-eastern suburbs (District 14), each owing in excess of US$7 million.

The report also notes that Nkulumane (District 67) and Cowdray Park (District 70) are among the largest contributors, with debts exceeding US$6 million each.

City officials say enforcement efforts are being hampered by staff shortages, with the number of active accounts rising from 178 223 in 2021 to 183 404 in 2025 without a corresponding increase in personnel and resources.

“It will require about 600 people, each assigned 2 000 accounts per month, to effectively follow up on debtors,” the report noted, adding that a culture of non-payment is becoming increasingly prevalent.

The municipality revealed that 80 percent of active accounts are overdue by more than 30 days, further complicating revenue collection efforts.

“To address the situation, the city is rolling out strategies to improve bill payments, including introducing an online business licensing system and enhancing digital payment options,” reads the report.

Residents have been urged to settle their bills promptly to ensure uninterrupted service delivery and support the city’s vision of becoming “a smart and sustainable city by 2030.”