Government urges citizens to appreciate per capita rating system

Local Government and Public Works Deputy Minister Albert Mavhunga

GOVERNMENT has called upon its citizens to fully appreciate the per capita rating system so as to improve service delivery among local authorities.

Early this year, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works directed Rural District Councils (RDCs) to adopt a per capita system when charging development levies, replacing the long-standing per household model, in line with Section 96 of the Rural District Councils Act [Chapter 29:13].

The move has seen rural residents paying per individual at a homestead, compared to the previous flat rate per household.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the extended Bulilima Rural District Council offices, 28 motorbikes for councillors, a grader and six-tonne tipping dumper trailer on Wednesday, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe in a speech ready on his behalf by his Deputy Albert Mavhunga, urged citizens to adhere to the new billing system.

“As we pursue development, we must also ensure that local authorities have sustainable sources of revenue. A local authority cannot provide sustainable services without a sustainable financial base. In this regard, it is important for citizens to appreciate that Government recently adopted the per capita rating system, replacing the long-standing per household model, in accordance with Section 96 of the Rural District Councils Act (Chapter 29:13).

“This policy reform seeks to promote fairness, equity and sustainability within local governance financing frameworks. It must equally be understood that these tariffs are not uniform throughout the country, as each Rural District Council determines its own tariffs based on local circumstances, developmental priorities and operational requirements as guided by the law,” said Minister Garwe.

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