Gweru residents bitter as council raises tariffs

Gweru (New Ziana)- Gweru residents have blasted the city council for raising tariffs at a time they face their worst economic challenges as a result of the devastating effects of the Covid-19 lock down.

The increases have seen those seeking to bury their loved ones paying $733 from $80.

Vendors licences have been increased from $50 to $1 182, while buses and minibuses that will rank in the Kudzanai bus terminus will be parting with $115 up from last year ‘s $10 per hour.

Service stations will be paying $30 000 from $1 308 per annum, while annual license fees for lodges will be $733 up from $310.

Residents questioned the timing as well as the rate of increase.

In a statement, director of the Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association Cornelius Selipiwe said the decision to effect tariff increases had been wrongly timed.

“Imagine people are on lockdown and there is no activity in our economy therefore people can’t afford any increment at the moment,” he said.

Selipiwe said they had began a process of engaging with the local authority with the hope that they will review their decision.

Gweru Mayor Josiah Makombe has since met with residents associations and promised to engage other councillors on the issue once the lock down is lifted.
New Ziana