GWERU City Council has indicated that it will unleash debt collectors on defaulting ratepayers who owe the local authority for more than two months.
In a statement dated September 10, council said residents with arrears should make plans to settle their debts to avoid legal action.
“If you owe City of Gweru for more than 60 days, you will be served with summons,” council said.
“We encourage all residents and stakeholders to settle their outstanding balances promptly to avoid this consequence.
“Don’t wait until it’s too late. Pay your bills today and avoid additional costs, including legal fees and interest charges.”
The local authority encouraged ratepayers to make payment plans to avoid being issued with summons.
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Residents’ associations have always stressed that attaching residents’ property is not the best option in recovering what is owed by residents.
Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association director Cornelia Selipiwe reiterated that payment arrangements were the best way forward in settling bills.
“As a residents association, we always encourage people to pay their bills with even the little they can, but as we have always maintained, in the long run, payment plans should be prioritised in settling bills,” he said.
Speaking during yesterday’s ordinary council meeting, mayor Martin Chivhoko said timeous payment of bills would enable council to provide services to residents.
“Your prompt payment directly supports the continued progress of the city’s development and the maintenance of essential services,” he said.
Council is owed more than ZWL$70 billion by residents.