Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
THE City of Harare’s debtors’ position has risen to ZWG11,2 billion, with domestic consumers accounting for the largest share, a pre-budget consultative meeting for Ward 5 Harare Central heard on Monday.
City of Harare accountant Mr Archiford Mugwidi told residents gathered at the City Sports Centre that domestic consumers accounted for 56,73 percent of the council’s debtors, followed by Government and dormitory towns.
He said Chitungwiza, Ruwa and Norton, which also receive services from the City of Harare, owed council 5,4 percent of the total debt.
“They owe us 5,4 percent, with our collection efficiency still at 58 percent,” he said.
Mr Mugwidi said Ward 5 had been billed ZWG120 million between January and July 2026, of which ZWG83 million had been collected.
“Collection efficiency for the ward is at 72 percent, which I think is far much better when we compare it with some of the wards that we have visited,” he said.
Residents who turned up submitted their priorities for the 2027 budget.
They called for the repair of feeder roads in Belvedere, improvements to the traffic control system and measures to assist pedestrians crossing Samora Machel Avenue near Long Cheng Plaza.
Residents also called for designated vending sites and stronger enforcement against drug-related and other criminal activities near Long Cheng Plaza and Trafalgar Court.
They further called for improved lighting within Harare Gardens. Residents, however, commended the council for providing a public toilet at Divaris Shopping Centre.
