NEW: Council engages debt collectors

The acting head of policy, corporate strategy and grants, Mr Amos Muguti, said starting Monday next week, the city is expected to start visiting the industrial areas and major shopping centres.

Online Reporter

HARARE City Council is set to engage debt collectors to deal with commercial customers and residents who owe the local authority huge amounts in unpaid bills.

In a notice to customers on Thursday, the council said it was collecting only 48 percent in revenue, hence the decision to engage debt collectors.

The exercise is meant to improve service delivery across the city.

“Accounts have been categorised and those who owe a lot of money are to be handed over to debt collectors and legal proceedings will be taken,” reads the notice.

“We would like to encourage you to pay your bills at the district office and to utilise the many online payment platforms as they are easy, convenient, and fast.

“Those facing financial challenges can approach the revenue officers for a payment plan because council has been relying on monies collected for rates for a lot of services.”