City owed US$10 million

businesspeople.
The gold mining city has a population of 120 000 while 15 000 are on the housing waiting list.
Town clerk, Mr Malvin Dondo, said on its part, Kadoma owed its suppliers, service providers and statutory bodies like NSSA and Zimra US$3 million.
He said the debt started accruing in February 2009 with the introduction of the use of multi currencies.
Mr Dondo said if debtors were to pay US$5 million today, Kadoma would be able to pay off its debt and buy refuse, road equipment, repair public lighting, finish outstanding school projects and rehabilitate the city’s collapsed sewer system.
Kadoma residents are not happy with the level of service delivery often accusing the local authority of negating its duties.
Those paying their bills are the most hurt, as they are being short- changed.
Mr Dondo said council collects on average US$450 000 every month in rates and supplementary charges against a potential of US$1 million.
“Even if we get US$5 million most of our problems would be over. We would wipe off our debt,” he said.
On water supplies, councillors say only 30 percent of Kadoma is accessing water.
However, Mr Dondo said efforts were underway to ensure the service was extended to all residents.
He said those not getting water were not willing to pay their bills adding that each time there is an improvement in water supplies it translates in improved revenue inflows.
Mr Dondo also said lack of funds was affecting servicing of residential stands, road repairs and refuse collection.
“We have a number of housing projects that are at standstill because of lack of funds for servicing. We have now resorted to the pay for your stand service scheme.
“But the same residents who are failing to pay their bills are the same on the scheme,” he said.
He attributed some of the resistance to pay bills to a campaign by the residents association and some councillors.
Mr Dondo said the closure of big businesses such as David Whitehead had a negative effect on the city’s financial position.
“We are now encouraging residents to pay and explaining to them that it is their money that brings them the services,” he said.