Responses To Harare's Plans To Deploy Debt Collectors
Harare City Council has announced plans to deploy debt collectors saying the move will improve service delivery in the capital. The local government authority is also planning to disconnect defaulting ratepayers to compel them to pay their dues.
The local authority said:
_It’s true Harare City Council is on a drive to collect all the money it is owed by residents. Council has been under attack for poor service delivery because it has not been fully enforcing debt collection._
_There is no war against residents. Actions towards debt collection should be viewed in the positive because the net effect is to ensure residents receive services. Non-payment of bills kills service delivery, brings diseases and erases progress that has been achieved to date._
The announcement attracted some responses on social media. We present some of the responses below.
_They (debt collectors) should simultaneously collect rubbish while they’re at it_
_Please comment on people that have been receiving and paying bills with no drop coming from their taps._
_First of all take meter readings_
@Garwe31 is of the view that Harare City Council is now looking for money to pay workers. Says the handle:_Bwahahahaha! Twakutsvaga mari yeku cover wage bill_
_How are you going to drive to the high-density suburbs where the roads are full of potholes and litter everywhere which you haven’t (been) collected_
_So the main factor affecting service delivery is non-payment of bills not that all the money is being collected by ZANU PF as alleged by the party? Any initiative to bring back the sunshine status is appreciated_
_There is a hidden war. In fact, what progress are you talking about? We hear of e-billing right now your April bills are out but not sure if residents have received them. Cleared March statement but April bill shows current charges as in 120days overdue. Sort in house problems please._
_Same here even after several emails the bills are still not updated. Fix that first to encourage payments.@kmtomb_
_There is no water supply to disconnect anyways coz the supply is not there. We have reached a position where citizens have learnt to live without your services and see no reason to pay for services they don’t get._
More: Pindula News
