City of Masvingo slashes minimum water charges by 50%

In a noteworthy development, the City of Masvingo met with the business community and residents associations (MURRA and MASDRRA) on the 28^th of April 2020 on a stakeholder interface aimed at cushioning the ratepayers in response to the previous outcries over March 2020 bills. To that effect the City Council has slashed the minimum water charges by 50%.

The City Fathers were commended for stepping up to the plate by reducing minimum water band from 0-10m3 to 0-5m3, translating to a reduction in the minimum water charge for high density areas from $260 to $130 and the basic household bill from $602.90 to $472.90. The effect of this is that residents will pay less in fixed charges and their bill becomes more dependent on their water consumption.

Among the subjects discussed was the sourcing of service delivery like refuse collection from private players, revival of traditional revenue streams which include; farms, beer halls, Mucheke Bus Terminus and create an autonomous department for them to be effective and efficient as well as privatising prepaid parking.

Acting Town Clerk, Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa however said, the City Council had taken note of the submissions and the issues were to be attended to with due diligence.

He also urged residents to religiously service their water bills.

“We are open to ratepayers to come and negotiate for payment plans for the debts they are owing City Council. However, we urge the residents to service their water bills and at all cost save water”, he said.

His Worship, The Mayor, Cllr Collen Maboke in his welcome and closing remarks also reiterated the need for ratepayers to pay their water bills to enable the City Council to provide services to the city.