THE Chitungwiza Business Community Trust (CBCT) has voiced concerns against the municipality’s proposed 2025 budget, which will see a massive rates hike if adopted.
The CBCT has formally submitted its objections to the council.
In their letter, they expressed concern over the proposed increases in licensing fees, health inspections, sewerage and refuse charges, fixed water costs and building plan approvals.
The business community argued that the proposed increases are unsustainable for small businesses already struggling to survive the harsh economic challenges.
“The proposed charges will increase our operational costs to the point where many of us may not be able to continue our businesses.
“We are a group of small entrepreneurs trying to rise amid significant economic pressures,” Tendai Mareya, the chairperson of the trust, wrote.
Mareya pointed out that the municipality’s overheads are exacerbated by unregistered businesses operating in the area, leading to inflated service charges for those who are compliant.
“We wish to see our city develop into a clean heritage city. However, we need the municipality to regularise businesses to ensure fair revenue collection,” the business community said.
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They proposed a 50% reduction in fees across various sectors, including canteens, hardware stores and hairdressing services.
They are also requesting similar reductions on rates and other service fees such as health inspections and refuse collection.
Moreover, CBCT called for greater collaboration with the municipality in the budget formulation process to ensure that the needs of local entrepreneurs are adequately addressed.
“We urge the municipality to engage with us early in the budget discussions to avoid misunderstandings and misalignment of our operations,” the business community said.
Chitungwiza council spokesperson Tafadzwa Kachiko welcomed submissions by residents, the business and affected community.
“Objections are welcome, and we are saying they should be made through the council,” he said.
“We advertised on Saturday and we indicated that objections should be lodged 30 days from the first day of the advert. This should be done through council.”
