Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Reporter
THE cash-strapped Gweru City Council has launched a major crackdown on residents, commercial entities, and industrial businesses defaulting on municipal payments, in a bid to recover more than ZWG500 million owed in water bills, rates and operating licences.
The operation, which has already resulted in the closure of some premises and disconnection of water supplies, aims to recover outstanding debts and enforce compliance with council regulations.
In an interview, Gweru Mayor, Councillor Martin Chivhoko, said the council is intensifying its debt recovery efforts through a combination of disconnections, business closures and legal action.
“We are embarking on an operation targeting defaulters by disconnecting water supplies, shutting down shops or premises, and taking legal action. The number of affected shops is not specified, but we are targeting commercial and industrial stands in both high- and low-density areas that have not cleared their water, rates accounts and licences,” he said.
Clr Chivhoko revealed that commercial businesses owe the local authority over ZWG106 million, while those operating in heavy and light industrial zones owe ZWG62 million and ZWG36 million respectively.
“Residents owe the city more than ZWG325 million, while Government departments owe over ZWG140 million,” he added.
He also noted that the council is tightening enforcement on business licensing compliance, as many operators are trading without valid licences.
“In the 2025 financial year, only 1 115 licences were issued, which is far below the number of businesses operating in the city. We are following up on those who did not pay and those who started operating without approval,” he said.
The mayor said the city’s financial challenges are largely due to ballooning debts, which have severely affected service delivery.
Clr Chivhoko emphasised that the council’s renewed debt recovery drive is not only intended to raise revenue but also to instil a culture of responsibility among ratepayers.
During a recent engagement with traditional leaders, councillors, town clerks and senior Government officials in Gweru, Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe said the Government fully supports efforts by local authorities to recover revenue as a foundation for effective service delivery.
“Councils must be transparent and accountable in the use of public funds. It is disheartening to note that some councils in the Midlands Province have been involved in questionable corporate governance practices, particularly regarding the utilisation of public funds,” said Minister Garwe.
He urged local authorities to explore all revenue streams provided for under the Urban Councils Act and Rural District Councils Act to strengthen financial sustainability and ensure improved services to residents.
