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Proposed increases in rates and charges
Combined Harare Residents' Association (CHRA)
June 19, 2003

CHRA recognizes the constraints imposed upon the operations of the Municipality by the macro-economic realities of Zimbabwe and by the Ministry of Local Government. With inflation running at over 270% (officially but actually much more) and with a punitive increase in foreign currency rates from Z$60 to $850 to the US dollar (an effective devaluation of over 1300%), it is unrealistic to expect our Council to adhere to any budget drawn up in 2002. The proposed tariff increases will not even result in full cost recovery however and we cannot expect any improvement in the provision of services: at most, the City may be able to stem the decline in service delivery.

Within these parameters, however, residents have a right to expect a number of things.

• We wish to see an end to the political interference by the central government in the affairs of our elected council. The blatant attempts by the Minister to undermine the efforts of our Mayor and Council to rectify years of mismanagement must cease and our elected officials must be allowed to pursue the policies of transparent and accountable local government for which they were elected. Council must pursue legal action to limit this unwarranted interference and put an end to the political wrangling that is undermining the core business of Council.
• Council must be allowed to borrow finance to implement capital projects that are desperately needed such as upgrading the water reticulation system.
• Debtors must be compelled through legal action to settle their accounts.
• The provision of potable water is a key aspect of the well being of residents. Council must maintain a social provision of basic water needs but beyond this, full cost recovery must be implemented. Punitive rates for excessive usage by gardeners, industry, and business should be instituted.
• There must be a complete and thorough audit of municipal employees. A time and motion study should be implemented to improve efficiency and management. The municipal wage bill must be reduced substantially by staff reductions coupled with improved conditions for retained staff to improve productivity. The wage bill should be set to a percentage of expenditure. The current attritional approach to labour reduction is inefficient and undermines the functioning of the municipality.
• Measures must be implemented to limit the provision of services to non-residents who use of Harare's facilities but do not contribute to its financial well being. Health and other services provided by Council must be for the benefit of residents, not rural visitors. If necessary, a residents' tax may need to be imposed. At present 65% of rates income goes to the health services - this is not sustainable.
• With regard to non-essential services, unproductive and costly operations must be discontinued or commercialized: eg
  • The Parking account is a disaster and costs far more to operate than warranted. The current on-street parking system needs to be revised. Parking arcades should be commercialized. Traffic fines are no longer effective in controlling traffic and fine recovery is minimal.
  • The Municipal Police service should be disbanded as recommended by the Thompson Report.
  • Mbare Bus terminus should be commercialized and adequate enforcement of by-laws implemented to ensure that busses utilize the facility instead of parking elsewhere.
  • By-laws must be enforced to re-establish respect for the law. Municipal courts are essential for the efficient enforcement of by-laws and Council must look at the mechanics of establishing these.
• Decentralization of revenue collection and expenditure as well as decision-making to local district offices coupled with increased interaction with residents associations must be a priority goal. This will result in greater community participation and increased accountability of officials and elected representatives.

While we accept the need for the supplementary budget, Council must not regard residents as an endless source of funding. The increases will add to the already intolerable burdens of residents in the city. Many residents have already expressed discontent with the perceived failure of Council to address their immediate concerns such as waste removal, street cleaning, enforcement of by-laws, and other areas of their lives. If no tangible benefits result in the near future, residents will be reluctant to acquiesce in future increases.

Visit the CHRA fact sheet

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