NEW: Residents want to stop HCC from borrowing

 Online Reporter  

HARARE Residents Trust (HRT) has implored ratepayers to object to Harare City Council’s quest to seek borrowing powers for a $1 billion loan. 

According to an advert by the HCC given in terms of Section 290 (3) 9a) of the Urban Councils Act, the local authority intends to borrow $1,4 billion for “waste management, health, water, road infrastructure, traffic management, public, lighting, Rowan Martin Building, service vehicles, Information Communication Technology, revenue collection, corporate communication, emergency services and social amenities.”

However, HRT executive director Mr Precious Shumba said residents should not allow any borrowing for “unimportant priorities”. 

“The City of Harare has not explained what specifically they want to do on each line item except to highlight figures going to departments,” he said. 

“The council should make available for public scrutiny income and expenditure reports in the listed departments. The borrowing is in the name of ratepayers of Harare.”  

Concerned ratepayers with objections can lodge them by writing to the acting Town Clerk on or before close of business on April 7, 2022 at Town House.