By A Correspondent
In a significant move to recover outstanding debts, the Harare City Council recently seized household properties belonging to sixty debtors, valued at thousands of dollars.
This action is part of the council’s broader effort to reclaim over ZiG458 million (approximately US$30 million) owed by ratepayers.
Last month, the City of Harare, utilizing the Messenger of Court, executed a crackdown on those with overdue accounts, attaching items such as sofas and television sets from various households.
These goods were subsequently auctioned off to recoup some of the outstanding debts.
The breakdown of the debt reveals that residential, commercial, and industrial ratepayers owe ZiG121 million, ZiG168 million, and ZiG140 million, respectively.
Furthermore, government ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as dormitory towns dependent on Harare for essential services like bulk water supply, contribute significantly to the overall debt.
Earlier this year, the council took proactive measures against more than 4,000 residents who had overdue balances exceeding 90 days. After failing to respond to 14-day final demand letters, many were served court summonses.
As a result, the Harare City Council successfully obtained court orders enabling them to seize properties from those in default.
“This action is essential for the council to recover funds critical for providing services to the community,” a council official stated.
“We must ensure accountability among all ratepayers.”
The repercussions of this aggressive debt recovery strategy have sparked mixed reactions among residents.
While some support the council’s efforts to improve financial stability, others express concern over the impact on families who may lose their essential household items.
The recent auctions serve as a stark reminder of the financial strains facing the Harare City Council and the importance of timely payments by ratepayers.
As the council continues its efforts to address the debt crisis, many residents are left wondering how these measures will affect the broader community moving forward.