Chronicle EditorPatrick Chitumba, [email protected]
MIDLANDS Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Owen Ncube, has called on local authorities to adopt more innovative and compassionate approaches to revenue collection.
This comes amid growing concerns over the use of debt collectors and property auctions to settle outstanding debts from defaulting residents.
In an interview, Minister Ncube expressed his concerns about the social and economic impact of aggressive debt recovery methods.
“Instead of relying on the Messenger of Court to auction off residents’ properties, councils should explore alternative payment plans and strategies that support those struggling to pay their arrears,” he said.
The Minister’s remarks follow the Gweru City Council’s recent issuance of 300 summons to residents, some of whom had their property attached due to non-payment of bills. Minister Ncube urged local authorities to collaborate with residents to find workable payment solutions, stressing the importance of supporting those facing financial hardships.
“Government fully supports revenue collection by local authorities as it is the basis upon which ability to provide services is anchored. However, where residents have difficulties in terms of paying rates, we encourage local authorities and other service providers to consider payment plans instead of rushing to debt collectors,” he said.
Minister Ncube also called for greater consultation and transparency in local governance, urging councils to engage with residents before introducing new levies that could increase the cost of living and doing business.
He said the success of the Second Republic’s devolution and decentralisation agenda depends on local authorities’ ability to deliver quality services and ensure residents receive value for their money.
In addition to advocating for more humane revenue collection practices, Minister Ncube urged local councils to partner with the private sector to promote industrialisation, ease of doing business, and attract investment.
He praised local authorities that have completed their master plans and urged them to focus on developing smart cities with modern infrastructure, including roads, water, and sewer systems.
“Now that all our local authorities have concluded their master plans, we expect that the development of smart cities should be visible and supported by visible economic growth,” said Minister Ncube.
He also commended the private sector in Kwekwe and Redcliff for their significant contributions to the area’s development, particularly in the construction of modern residential and commercial buildings.
“Kwekwe and Redcliff have in the past year witnessed a boom in the construction of hospitals, boarding houses, lodges, conference facilities, shopping malls, and fuel stations. This is very commendable, especially when it is private sector-led economic development that aligns with Vision 2030,” he noted.
Highlighting Kwekwe’s critical role in the Midlands Provincial Gross Domestic Product, Minister Ncube pointed to the rehabilitation of major roads like Maunganidze as key to accelerating socio-economic development. The Maunganidze Road rehabilitation project, funded by the council and Zinara, cost approximately US$90 000.
“In the long run, infrastructure development attracts tourism, trade, and investment as it facilitates the movement of people, goods, and services. And so we are happy with the development that is taking place in the province, especially in Kwekwe and Redcliff,” said Minister Ncube.
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