adminZvifadzo Lubombo Herald Reporter
Residents in the capital have welcomed a decision by the Harare City Council to freeze rates increases in the 2014 budget saying this will bring more relief to many people who are struggling to pay current rates.Scores of people told the Herald yesterday that the latest decision to spare them from rates increases demonstrated a ‘rare understanding’ by council of the hardships facing the majority of residents.
“This decision only goes to show that the council is now people-centred and cares very much about the welfare of the poor,” said Musavengana Ndlovu of Mabvuku.
Ray Bare of Dzivaresekwa said the move would at least give the poor a chance to cope.
“I’m very happy about this new decision.
“Vendors and the majority of lowly paid people are at least assured of paying the same rates next year,” he said.
“The poor are humans too, they also need space to manage their debts.”
Dorothy Makoni from Chitungwiza echoed similar sentiments, saying the decision would enable them to make some modest savings and clear their arrears.
“This will give us space to settle our debts.
“Thanks to the council and the Government for hearing the concerns of the poor,” she said.
City treasurer Mr Misheck Mubvumbi told a pre-budget consultative meeting this week that council would not increase rates in the 2014 budget as residents were failing to pay current bills and had accumulated a US$40,1 million debt after the annulment of arrears in June.
“There was one single rate increase in 2009, since then we have not increased our tariffs,” he said.
Online Reporter