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(CTC) into allegations that council was over-charging residents, as a “frivolous and futile” exercise.
The CTC is a statutory body established through the merger of the former Industry and Trade Competition Commission and the Tariff Commission.
In a notice dated 20 December and signed by CTC director, Mr Alexander Kububa, the commission alleged that council was taking advantage of consumers, who did not have an alternative service provider to turn to for municipal services, by charging exorbitantly.
However, Clr Moyo said the investigation was pointless.
“It is a complete waste of time and energy because when we come up with these rates, levies and tariffs, we consult residents, who suggest and approve them,” said Clr Moyo.
He invited the investigators to come to the city anytime, saying council had nothing to hide.
“They can come anytime, be it the middle of the night or day because we are transparent and do everything above board. In fact, they can come as many times as they want,” said the Mayor.
Councillor Moyo said he felt council charges were fair.
“We provide the best municipal services in the country, as evidenced by our coming first in the Zimbabwe Customer Service Award in the public sector category at the service excellence awards held in Harare recently,” he said.
“We have had an almost standstill budget in the last three years or so and next year, tariffs will be increased by only $1 per property per month. This was the residents’ wish to expedite the duplication of the Insiza pipeline so that more water is availed to the city,” added Clr Moyo.
In the notice, the CTC maintained that council was abusing its monopoly over municipal services.
“It is hereby notified in terms of Section 28 (2) of the Competition Act (Chapter 14:28), that the Competition and Tariff Commission is embarking on an investigation, in terms of Section 28 of the Act, into allegations of a monopoly situation by the Bulawayo City Council in the provision of municipal economic services through the imposition of excessive charges on water, rates and levies to consumers of the utilities and services provided by the council,” read part of the notice.
The commission urged residents, who felt they were being overcharged to put their grievances in writing and submit them to their Harare offices by the end of the day today.
“The Competition and Tariff Commission hereby gives notice to interested persons or parties to submit written representations to the commission in regard to the alleged monopoly situation by the Bulawayo City Council at the commission offices at Number One Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, 2nd floor, Block one, Harare, or Private Bag 7774, Causeway, or by e-mail at [email protected] within seven days from the date of publication of this notice,” read the notice.
The commission assured complainants that their representations would be kept confidential. It is not the first time an investigation has been instituted into the running of council affairs this year.
Earlier in the year, the Minister of Local Government, Rural and Urban Development, Dr Ignatius Chombo, set up a commission of inquiry into allegations of corruption by councillors and council officials.
Dr Chombo is yet to release the report on the findings, although the investigations were concluded in the first half of the year.
Online Reporter