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Midlands Bureau Chief
Residents and businesses in Gweru top the list of debtors after it emerged they owe council $41 million in unpaid rates. The town area constitutes of low- density suburbs such as Lundi Park, Kopje and Southdowns and their debt accounts for over 50 percent of the $64 million owed to the local authority by its debtors.

The latest council report shows that town and services owe council a total of $41 million followed by Mkoba suburbs (1 to 20) which owe $16 million, Mtapa, Mambo, Ascot and Montrose $5,2 million and Senga over $1 million, bringing the total owed to over $64 million.

“City of Gweru debtors as at October 31, 2018, town — services $41 138 818, Mkoba $16 379 168, LGR $5 239 767 and Senga $1 897 870,” reads the report.

The report indicated that council billed residents and companies $84 million, but only managed to collect $15 million.

Meanwhile, Town Clerk Ms Elizabeth Gwatipedza has reiterated the urgent need to replace pumps at Gwenhoro water pump station because they could stop operating any time.

“The pumps we are using at Gwenhoro water pump station were installed in 1957 and are, therefore, very old and need to be changed,” she said.