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Yeukai Karengezeka Herald Correspondent
Chitungwiza residents have petitioned the municipality to consider offering them a percentage discount on bills to enable them to clear their arrears.

The residents, who were represented by Chitungwiza and Manyame Rural Residents’ Association (Camera) director Mr Marvellous Khumalo stated in their petition that such a decision would entice ratepayers to honour their bills and assist the local authority to offer improved service delivery.

As at April 21, residents owed $27 million while commercial and industrial debtors owed $40,7 million.

“We write to request for your esteemed office to consider giving percentage discount to residents as a way of motivating them to honour and clear their bills as well as increase revenue in-flows for the municipality.

“This will contribute positively towards improving the state of service delivery,” reads the letter.

Mr Khumalo said the percentage discount would cushion residents from the debilitating effects of an economy characterised with high unemployment rates, cash shortages and a generally rising cost of living.

Mr Khumalo added that they were compelled to write this petition after a number of residents approached them against paying bills for the services that do not exist in their areas.

“Our offices have been approached by a number of residents who for the previous years were being billed for services that do not exist in their areas and had resolved not to pay for these non-existent services.

“However, we are convincing them to approach the municipality and rectify this anomaly where it truly exists but basically we are urging residents to pay their bills,” said Khumalo.

Chitungwiza town clerk Dr George Makunde confirmed receipt of the petition, but said they are still deliberating on the matter.

“Yes, we received a petition from residents but we are still discussing the matter. This is partly because these promotions were previously done but they did not yield much fruit. Once we make a decision, we will notify our residents,” he said.

Awarding of discounts to residents have proved to be successful in other local authorities like Harare, Ruwa and Zvimba.

The municipality early this year engaged services of WellCash Debt Collectors after residents failed to honour their obligations despite numerous calls to do so.