Chronicle Editor
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
HWANGE residents and business community are set to benefit from a fairer and more efficient rate system for properties as well as a boost in investment opportunities following the successful completion of the council’s valuation roll and master plan.
The completion of the two important processes is expected to set the tone for an improved rate payment system and the opening of more investment opportunities as well as space in Hwange urban starting next year.
The innovative master plan integrates concession areas into the council’s jurisdiction, serving as a catalyst for the economic revitalisation of Hwange urban.
Hwange Local Board’s finance director, Mr Wetani Munkuli said in an interview, the valuation roll allows the local board to accurately assess the smallest land units in each rating zone, paving the way for fair property taxation.
“The Act mandates us to establish the minimum unit size, which we have laid out in the valuation roll for each zone.
For HLB, the minimum size for residential properties is 200 square metres. Therefore, the rates we impose on 200-square-metre properties will be proportionate to those for larger properties,” he explained.
Before the general valuation roll was introduced, the local board had limited property tax charges based on density.
Mr Munkuli clarified that the valuation roll ensures accurate and equitable assessments for all non-residential properties, thus informing the taxes owed to the local authority.
“It is unreasonable to apply uniform rates across varying property sizes and conditions. Our budget consultations for 2025 will reflect this nuanced approach,” he stated, noting that a failure to present a clear basis for property charges was a primary reason for the rejection of the council’s 2024 budget.
The completed valuation roll will empower HLB to establish realistic property ratings while complying with legal requirements, as different types of commercial properties will be subject to distinct taxation based on land and improvements.
Having not conducted a general valuation roll in over two decades, HLB was unable to accurately assess the property values in its jurisdiction until now.
HLB chairperson, Councillor Morrison Mafa also highlighted that the new master plan could advance the call to incorporate concession areas, such as the Wankie Colliery Concession Area, into the council’s administration.
Efforts toward this goal include a petition by residents brought before Parliament in 2019, with further advocacy from the Hwange Youth Empowerment Trust earlier this year.
“Our council is actively pursuing the incorporation of seven wards from the concession areas, along with efforts to achieve town status. We believe the development of a master plan is pivotal to realising this vision,” said Clr Mafa.
Clr Mafa said currently, HLB oversees 10 wards while many surrounding wards are managed by private entities, including the Hwange Colliery Company, Zimbabwe Power Company and National Railways of Zimbabwe.
He expressed optimism that incorporation would unleash new growth opportunities in Hwange’s economy by showcasing the community’s potential beyond its coal mining foundations.
Alongside its coal mining reputation, Hwange is also recognised as a key tourism destination.
With a growing interest in coal mining and power generation, Hwange stands out as one of Zimbabwe’s fastest-developing economies.
HLB, as the urban local authority, is positioned to offer diverse investment opportunities across various sectors and related industries.
The creation of master plans aligns with the Government’s initiative, “A Call to Action – No Compromise to Service Delivery,” which seeks to enhance local service delivery.
Clr Mafa acknowledged that HLB had long intended to develop a master plan but inadequate funding had hindered progress until a directive from President Mnangagwa mandating local authorities to have master plans by 30 June gave them the necessary momentum. — @nyeve14
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