adminLuthando Mapepa
THE cash-strapped Chipinge Town Council has gone on the offensive by launching a massive permanent water disconnection blitz on all residents that have defaulted paying their bills for three months.
The council intends to recover an outstanding $1,6 million in the blitz.
In a letter dated November 27, 2015, which the paper has in possession, CTC treasurer, Mr J Mutemera wrote: “Council has noted with great concern that you are not paying your water bills. Now council is unable to buy chemicals, juice electricity for water supply and even pay for raw water.
“This is affecting the few who are honouring their bills. Council is left with no option, but to permanently disconnect water supply with effect from 30 November, 2015.
“To resume water supply the client is to re-apply for new water connection. The reconnection fee of $10 and unplucking of $10 fee will be charged together with new water application”.
Council chairperson, Councillor Lovemore Ziyengwa Huni, told The Manica Post that the move was intended to encourage residents to clear their outstanding debts.
Clr Huni said some residents had not paid since 2013 when Government ordered all local authorities to slash all outstanding bills.
“The council was left with no option other than to permanently disconnecting all those with arrears surpassing three months.
“We need to honour the few responsible citizens who always pay their rates. We hope the move will make them forthcoming.
“We are facing cash flow challenges. We want to pay electricity. All our boreholes have pre-paid meters and we cannot use them without pre-paying the electricity.
“Revenue collection has declined and this has impacted negatively on service delivery,” said Clr Huni.
However, residents have reacted angrily to the move, describing it as inhumane.
Others said the council and residents should compromise.
One Mrs Moyo, of Gaza O, said the move may result in the outbreak of communicable diseases in the high-density suburb.
“The move taken by the local authority without first engaging the residents is unacceptable as it may cost lives.
“We are saddened by the move. You cannot permanently disconnect our water on short notice.
“They are not accepting payment plans, insisting on full payment. Yes, we owe council, but they should show a human face,” said Mrs Moyo.
Another resident who declined to be named said the move had exposed the local authority as heartless.
“How can they do that? It is unreasonable to permanently disconnect defaulters. Water is a basic right. Dealing with residents in such a manner is heartless and archaic,” said the resident.
Online Reporter