Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Municipal Correspondent
HARARE City Council’s revenue collection efficiency has risen to 55 percent as at May 31, 2026, up from 48 percent last year, although the figure remains below the level required to sustain adequate service delivery.
The local authority is targeting at least 80 percent collection efficiency by year-end to support improved service provision and infrastructure rehabilitation.
Acting Town Clerk Mr Warren Chiwawa said while the increase marks progress, council is aware that substandard service delivery has contributed to reluctance by some residents to settle their bills.
“The current revenue collection efficiency averages 55 percent as at May 31, 2026, an improvement from 48 percent in 2025, but still below sustainable levels for funding adequate service delivery. The city aims to attain at least 80 percent collection efficiency by end of year,” he said.
“The targeted level of collection will sustain acceptable service levels for our ratepayers.
“The city values its residents and stakeholders’ feedback and is therefore seized with the concerns of residents. Central to these concerns is the level of service delivery, which remains below acceptable levels for the residents of Harare.”
Mr Chiwawa said council is implementing several measures to improve operational efficiency, accountability and revenue collection.
These include the rollout of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which is expected to strengthen financial management systems and enhance service delivery processes.
He said the city is also grappling with a growing debt burden, with its debtors’ book standing at ZiG10,4 billion as at the end of May, largely owed by domestic ratepayers.
To address funding gaps and accelerate infrastructure rehabilitation, council is intensifying efforts to attract investment and establish strategic partnerships.
Harare continues to face significant challenges in water supply, road maintenance, refuse collection and sewer infrastructure, with authorities banking on improved revenue performance, enhanced financial systems and investment inflows to reverse years of service delivery decline.
