Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve,Victoria Falls Reporter
THE Victoria Falls City Council is facing a fierce backlash from residents over its handling of a high-cost housing scheme, with beneficiaries demanding more lenient payment terms for stand prices ranging from US$9 000 to US$12 000.
The dispute came to a head during a feedback meeting at Chinotimba Hall recently, where council officials, led by Mayor Councillor Prince Thuso Moyo and Town Clerk Mr Ronnie Dube, announced a six-month extension for payments, a move residents immediately rejected as insufficient.
In October 2024, 500 beneficiaries were allocated stands under the council’s BE100 scheme, selected from a waiting list of 16 000.
They were initially given until October 2025 to pay the full amount or risk repossession.
Addressing the residents, Mayor Moyo explained the council’s position, saying there was need to honour financial commitments to a contractor.
“We engaged a contractor for this housing scheme on a US$4.5 million agreement. Calculations were made and it was agreed how much we would sell the stands,” said Mayor Moyo.
He revealed that following the lapse of an initial October 31st deadline, the council had already shown leniency.
“Council resolved that we extend by six months for those that had paid a deposit of US$3 000 and by three months for about 22 beneficiaries who have failed to pay even their deposits. At the moment we have not repossessed any stand,” he said.
However, this extension fell far short of residents’ pleas.
Many argued that the economic climate makes it impossible to raise such large sums in a short period.
“We need to look at earnings, rentals and other costs. The timeframe given by council is too tight,” pleaded Mrs Gladys Malandela, a resident who echoed the sentiments of many.
Another beneficiary, Mr Khumbulani Mpofu, called for a more reasonable 12-month period to ease the financial burden on homeowners.
The meeting also exposed deeper-seated frustrations and allegations of mismanagement.
Mr Kelvin Moyo questioned the council’s financial transparency.
“There was misappropriation of funds. We need clarity regarding the 8300 stand, as some stands have been repossessed. Water bills also continue to go up,” he alleged.
