Harare(New Ziana)-The Harare City Council is engaging Government to secure authority to charge certain rate payers, services and products in forex, Mayor Hebert Gomba has said.

In his State of the City Address, Mayor Gomba said charging in forex would enable the city to invest in, and enhance service delivery.

“Council is engaging Government in a bid to secure authority to charge certain ratepayers, services and products in forex. This will allow Council to invest in service delivery initiatives such as procurement of plant and equipment,” he said.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has since directed businesses that are trading in multi-currency to remit taxes in the same currency, in which the goods have been sold.

“In the same vein, the City is targeting such businesses to pay for services in foreign currency as well as those in the diaspora who might want to purchase residential stands among others,” said Gomba.

The mayor said non-payment of bills continues to impact negatively on service delivery.

“Our residents must develop a culture of paying for the services. Government is paying its debts and residents, business and industry must follow suit and pay for services rendered,” said Gomba.

Harare, said the Mayor, is also seeking garnishing powers to recover the $800 million owed by ratepayers.

“In order to enhance revenue collection, we are also lobbying Parliament to make legislative reforms that will give powers to the council to execute garnishing orders, just like Zimra so as to recover over ZWL$800 million we are owed by ratepayers,” said Gomba.

New Ziana