Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau
GWANDA Municipality is collecting only 45 percent of its targeted revenue annually due to low ratepayer compliance, a situation that is compromising service delivery in the town.
Speaking on the sidelines of a recent dialogue meeting with ratepayers, Gwanda Mayor, Alderman Thulani Moyo, said sustainable development in the town can only be realised if both council and residents work together and fulfil their respective obligations.
The meeting, which was held in response to President Mnangagwa’s “Call to Action: No compromise to service delivery”, brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, councillors, Government departments, the local peace committee, youth and women representatives, pastors’ fraternity, police and council management.
Ald Moyo said the dialogue was aimed at bridging the gap between the council and ratepayers.
“It was an opportunity to gather feedback from the community on priority service delivery issues. While council is mandated to deliver services, residents must also pay their rates. Unfortunately, our collection rate remains low at around 45 percent, which severely hampers service delivery,” he said.
The Mayor said the council has resolved to hold such engagements quarterly, not only to enhance transparency but also to gather real-time input from residents regarding their needs and expectations.
Ald Moyo said the meeting also served as a platform for the municipality to update residents on outstanding service delivery matters, including challenges in sewer management, waste collection and water supply.
Residents, who attended the meeting raised concerns, particularly around poor refuse collection, which they said created serious health and environmental risks.
“Sometimes we can go up to two weeks without refuse collection. This is especially a problem in the CBD, where baboons often scavenge and scatter the waste,” said Ms Sibonile Ncube.
She also called for the installation of more street lights, saying residents felt unsafe moving around in the evening due to poorly lit streets.
“Street lighting is a major concern. In many parts of the town, there is no lighting at all. We also face regular water supply interruptions, particularly during power cuts,” she said.
Another resident, Mr Benson Mkandla, appealed to the council to relocate the illegal dumpsite located near homes in the Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle area, which he said was a health hazard.
“That dumpsite must be removed. We also lack basic infrastructure and there are no proper roads or bridges, making it difficult for service vehicles to reach our area. Street lighting in high-density suburbs also needs urgent attention,” he said.
Ald Moyo assured residents that the municipality was taking their concerns seriously and that efforts were being made to improve infrastructure and basic services, despite financial constraints caused by poor revenue collection.
—@DubeMatutu
