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HARARE City Council started charging for certain services exclusively in US dollars from yesterday.
This is in line with a Council resolution of August 3.
However, exclusive pricing of goods and services in US dollars remains illegal.
While the city fathers did not specify which services will be charged in US dollars, acting town clerk, Engineer Phakamile Moyo, said they exclude all monthly bills such as water consumption, sewerage, refuse collection and rates.
“The above-mentioned charges will remain open to being payable using multi-currency as may be opted by the client,” said Eng Moyo.
He said Council had given a one-month ultimatum for the removal of neglected billboards around the capital, after witnessing the mushrooming of advertising boards, seemingly without owners.
He said billboard owners should regularise their properties with the local authority.
“All old unclaimed billboards along municipal road servitudes and ranks risk being removed or being taken over by Council.
“Advertising companies and corporates are advised to maintain their billboard structures to prevent potential harm to the public.
“A period of one month is being given for companies to renovate their structures,” Eng Moyo said.
Council said defiance to the order will see the Director of Works evoking provisions of the Harare (Control of Advertising Signs) By-laws, 1981 Section 20 to remove the billboards.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter