SYDNEY MUBAIWA
REDCLIFF- The cash-stripped dormitory town of Redcliff is grappling with poor revenue collection a problem which has affected the local authority to undertake its service delivery mandate.
In a recent full council meeting, the local authority’s Town Clerk Gibson Chakauya said the council’s ability to deliver essential services is severely hindered by the current revenue shortfalls.
“As a local authority, we are grappling with significant challenges in revenue collection which poses a negative impact on our ability to provide adequate services to our residents. Residents want water but they don’t want to pay for it. They want good roads but they can’t pay for them. Our finance department only release the funds collected from revenue coming in.
“As we speak, our revenue collection stands at 18 percent which is against our wish of above 50 /60 percent,” he said.
Chakauya suggested that the local authority should find alternative revenue to augment the little they are getting from the residents.
“We need to explore other alternatives and solutions to address this issue to ensure the sustainability of our local authority. Our residents should change their mindset and pay their bills. We want intervention and our councillors have a big part to play to improve our revenue inflows. We won’t be able to provide adequate service delivery on 18 percent revenue collection,” he said.
Kwekwe District Development Coordinator Fortune Mupungu advised the local authority to implement collective efforts to address revenue collection challenges.
“You must work together to find a lasting solution on revenue collection challenges which subsequently make it easier to improve service delivery. I appreciate your hard work and commitment. I urge you to move together with your residents. Councillors should work with communities and make sure residents play their roles by paying their dues,” he said.
He said it was the duty of the councillors to bridge the gap between council and residents.
“Councillors must play their roles in cementing the gaps between residents and council. Creating gaps will cause disruptions and this affects service delivery. You need to advise communities that moving from town to city needs payment of bills,” he said.
The local authority has reported a decline in payments from both residential and commercial properties, prompting discussions on potential reforms and strategies to improve service delivery and revenue collection.
The council is however exploring several avenues to address the issue, including improving communication with residents about their obligations and implementing more flexible payment methods.
The local authority is also considering a comprehensive budget review and expenditure plans to prioritise essential services.
The current economic downturn and increased unemployment rates coupled with lack of awareness about the implications of bill payments posed a negative impact on service delivery in a number of towns and cities across the country.
