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What really happened in Tafara?
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)
May 13, 2005

http://www.chra.co.zw/viewinfo.cfm?id=74&linkid=3&siteid=1

Report compiled by Tafara Resident

Residents in Tafara gathered at the District office to seek clarification over huge rates bills they received for the month of May. The District Office and Revenue Officer declined to speak to the residents unless the Zimbabwe Republic Police attended the meeting as well. Consequently, 15 uniformed police and a number of plain clothes police details attended the meeting.

The District Officer explained to residents that the rates increases were in compliance with an instruction from Town House, (Department of Housing and Community Service) to effect the new rates backdated to April 2005. The new charges were read out by the revenue officer.

Residents were irked that the increases were over the proposed rate increases for the current year's budget. For example, the proposed charge for illegal structures is $27,780.00 but the amount being charged now is $222,272.00.

Residents were also not happy with the hike in other charges. They expressed their dissatisfaction with service delivery in general but particularly the perennial water cuts.

Residents vowed not to pay the new charges until the new Director of Housing and Community Service and the Harare Commissioners addressed them on their concerns.

There were more than 500 residents who gathered inside but others were observing from outside.

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