Shurugwi Town Council calls for debt payments as residents owe $4 million

Town secretary Mr Archibald Ncube said at a press conference recently that most of their revenue is tied up in debts. “We urged the debtors to pay council bills on time so that we operate efficiently,” he said. “The major debts owed by residents are for water, followed by rates.”

Diana Nherera

Shurugwi Town Council has urged its debtors to pay up amid indications it is owed US$4 million and owes its creditors $450 000.

Town secretary Mr Archibald Ncube said at a press conference recently that most of their revenue is tied up in debts.

“We urged the debtors to pay council bills on time so that we operate efficiently,” he said.

“The major debts owed by residents are for water, followed by rates.”

Mr Ncube said its revenue collection efficiency has improved significantly and now stands at 75 percent for the period between January and September 2025.

“We applaud our corporates Unki Mines and ZIMASCO for their timeous payments, which have been going a long way in ensuring that we attend to the most pressing issues of service delivery,” he said.

Mr Ncube urged residents, businesses and stakeholders to take an active role in the budget consultations, which started on Monday this week.

He said the council has completed installing the trunk sewer line from town to Manzimudhaka.

Mr Ncube said the sewer line will go a long way in alleviating sewer burst challenges they were facing.

“Mambowa suburb has already been connected to the line and the council is now working on connecting ZBS (houses).

“Work is ongoing for Sebanga sewer reticulation designs. Council intends to get the $2,5million for the Sebanga sewer reticulation under the PSIP (Public Sector Investment Programme) in 2026.”