Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Senior Reporter
THE City of Bulawayo collected nearly US$2 million from residents in November last year, but financial pressures persisted as outstanding creditors rose from ZiG638 841 215 to ZiG722 245 886 during the same period.
During the month, the local authority issued more than 16 000 debt demand notices across its wards in a renewed drive to recover outstanding rates and service charges, with council targeting collections of over US$14,1 million.
According to council’s financial statements for the period ended November 30, 2025, the increase in creditors was largely driven by obligations to commercial entities and service providers, with the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) remaining the dominant creditor.
The power utility continues to top the creditor list, reflecting Bulawayo’s heavy electricity consumption and the council’s limited capacity to clear arrears within normal payment cycles.
“Outstanding creditors increased from ZiG638 841 215 to ZiG 722 245 886 in November 2025. ZETDC remains the biggest creditor at ZiG 515 092 551 (71 percent) followed by trade creditors at ZiG 44 855 478 (six percent). Council is up to date with its statutory obligations and salary payments,” reads part of the report.
Trade creditors remain the second largest category at ZiG44 855 478, accounting for six percent of total outstanding obligations.
These creditors include suppliers of goods and services critical to the city’s day to day operations.
Salary related obligations also featured prominently during the reporting period. Salaries and allowances closed the month at ZiG 70 080 312 (10 percent), while salary creditors amounted to ZiG 20 001 804 (three percent), underscoring continued pressure from the council’s wage bill.
Other notable creditors included utilities at ZiG 10 378 290 (one percent), taxes at ZiG 28 820 764 (four percent) and internal loans of ZiG 5 450 222 (one percent).
