Mutare(Pungwe News-New Ziana) – The City of Mutare has pleaded with residents and ratepayers to pay their bills, in spite of the Covid-19 lockdown, to enable it to provide critical services such as refuse collection, and provision of clean water.

Due to the lockdown, payment of rates and for other council services has been affected, but municipal authorities said an online payment platform had been established which ratepayers could now use.

The country is in the fourth week of a five-week lockdown to check the spread of Covid-19.

Mutare City Council finance director，Blessing Chafesuka said in order for the council to effectively fight the pandemic,there is need for ratepayers to play their part by continuing to pay rates via online platforms.

“As council,we know most of our residents have been affected by the pandemic but as council we plead with you to spare a little for the council bills.

“We need to procure chemicals to treat water so that there is constant supply during this pandemic period. We need fuel for refuse collection as well,” he said.

Chafesuka said provision of clean water was particularly important now in view of the Covid-19 pandemic which thrives in unclean and unhygienic environments.

He said council had designated staff to help residents with the new online payment system.

“We have our online banking, Ecocash, One Money and Telecash ready for the convenience of our residents. This will help on social distancing being recommended by health experts,”said Chafesuka.

Council revenue inflows have declined to less than $100 000 a day in the advent of the lockdown.

Pungwe News-New Ziana