COUNCIL BILLING UNDER FIRE

Tanaka Nyambo

THE Harare City Council has been criticised for charging unfair rates while failing to collect garbage.

Harare Residents Trust (HRT) director, Precious Shumba, said the acceptable range for rates is US$10 to US$30 per month.

He said residents should not pay for services that are not being rendered.

Shumba said it is unfortunate that the council does not listen to residents’ input during budget meetings.

HRT, and other groups, continue to educate residents to become empowered agents of social accountability mechanisms in order to hold council officials responsible.

“Residents should not pay for services not rendered, except for their property tax, which is about their stand size and zone,” said Shumba.

“Charging residents figures around US$70 is unacceptable and unjust.

“The residents have to unite and speak out against this sort of billing by the council.”