The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa Post Correspondent
MUTARE City Council is owed about US$74 million in outstanding debts by residents and ratepayers, Deputy Mayor Councillor Kudakwashe Chisango has said.
The debt is reportedly compromising the municipality’s capacity to effectively provide services to residents.
The city requires at least US$24 million to upgrade its roads and meet the requirements of the smart city status.
“The debt is ballooning as residents continue failing to pay for services rendered. This is compromising our service delivery mandate.
“Our road network, which is more than 504km, requires urgent rehabilitation. At least US$24 million is required to upgrade the roads and achieve the smart city status,” said Cllr Chisango.
He also lamented the inadequate funding from Zinara, which he said has affected the municipality’s road maintenance schedule.
He said the municipality has resorted to the use of internal funds to spruce up its roads.
“We are expecting about $7 million from Zinara, while council will inject $12 million from its own coffers,” said Cllr Chisango.
Cllr Chisango said the debt has caused the municipality to fail to maintain ageing water and sewer networks, resulting in frequent water and sewer bursts.
