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Primrose Nyanzero Herald Reporter
Chitungwiza residents yesterday begged council to allow them pay $10 a month towards settling their debts. Residents owe council $36 million.

This has handicapped the municipality as it can no longer provide basic services. This came out at a consultative budget meeting held at Unit L hall presided over by Chitungwiza Municipality finance director Mrs Evangelista Machona. Residents told Mrs Machona they wanted to pay $10 a month to settle their dues. A resident, Mr Silas Masahwi, said they did not want to stay in Chitungwiza for free.

“It is quite notable that pensioners, for instance, are no longer able to pay the actual rate fee of $24 a month, but that is not a licence to avoid payment of bills,” said Mr Masahwi. Everyone living in urban areas is indebted to pay to council since no one can claim the right to stay for free in the urban areas. Let us sacrifice $10 towards our council bills every month.” Chitungwiza Resident and Ratepayers Association (CHIRRA) vice-chairperson, Mr Kidwell Mudzimbasekwa, said the move could go a long way in helping the ailing council.

“Considering that Chitungwiza has 55 000 houses already in the data base, council should convince them to pay the money. Again, on regularising the illegal houses, it could help in getting more revenue and you should put in place strict measures to ensure that every house pays the bills accordingly.”

Responding to the suggestions, Mrs Machona said: “The idea of paying $10 every month is good because the situation has come to the extent that even a $1 a day is welcome. It will help us revive the city. We will look deeply into all suggestions and map a plan, but for now residents should bring the little they have.”