Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
GWERU City Council (GCC) has given residents and ratepayers a 14-day ultimatum to settle outstanding bills or face legal action, amid revelations the local authority’s debtors’ book has ballooned to more than ZiG$1,2 billion.
Gweru mayor Councillor Martin Chivhoko issued the warning during the full council meeting on Monday.
He urged residents with queries about their bills to visit the council offices before the deadline on June 30.
“It is regrettable that the new assistant director is taking up the role at a time when our debtors’ book stands at over ZiG$1,2 billion,” said Clr Chivhoko.
“For better service delivery, we need revenue and without the money, we are left with no option but to take legal action.”
Clr Chivhoko said residents owing the local authority should either settle their debts in full or engage the council to arrange payment plans.
“If you owe the council, then from June 16, 2026, we are giving you a 14-day timeframe to clear your bills,” he said.
“For those residing in council houses, we are also giving you a 14-day timeframe to clear your bills.
“Failure to do so will result in the council repossessing the houses.”
The mayor made the remarks while announcing the appointment of Ms Tendai Mhlanda Chigaba as the substantive assistant director of finance.
“It is therefore with great honour that I announce, on behalf of all councillors, the town clerk, Mr Livingstone Churu and the entire city management, the appointment of Ms Tendai Mhlanda Chigaba as the substantive assistant director of finance,” he said.
Clr Chivhoko said Ms Chigaba’s appointment followed a rigorous selection process and expressed confidence that she would play a key role in strengthening the city’s financial management.
He said her tenure would be crucial in steering the city away from past inefficiencies and towards a future of disciplined growth.
Meanwhile, the mayor announced that health workers will conduct a door-to-door tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic screening campaign in Mkoba, Mtapa and Senga suburbs from this month until the end of September.
“Tuberculosis remains a threat in our communities. The tragedy is not TB itself, but the late diagnosis that allows it to spread and claim lives unnecessarily,” he said.
“To confront this challenge head-on, I am proud to announce a critical public health campaign running from June to the end of September 2026.”
Clr Chivhoko said the screening exercise would be free and confidential.
“Should a referral be needed, residents will be directed to any of our major health facilities, including Gweru Provincial Hospital, Gweru District Hospital, Mtapa Polyclinic, Senga Polyclinic, Mkoba 1 Clinic or Mkoba Polyclinic,” he said.
