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Rates irk residents
Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA)
June 06, 2005

http://www.chra.co.zw/viewinfo.cfm?id=79&linkid=3&siteid=1

When Mbuya Chokuwa received this month's rates bill, she thought that Harare City Council had made a mistake. A retired teacher and resident of Kambuzuma, Mbuya Chokuwa is one of many residents who have been punished by council for erecting an "illegal structure" inside her house.

" The cottage is on the housing plan for this unit." She states, more to assure herself on the legality of the structure than to state fact. She has been told that her cottage is in fact illegal and she will pay $444,540.00 as fine backdated to January 2004.

That is not all. As from this month, each structure within the house will attract a $27,000.00 fine. Outside structures are being charged $200,000.00 per door and Mbuya Chokuwa has three. The fine for all illegal structures at her premises including VAT for this month alone is a whooping $666,816.00.

Mr. Rose, Secretary of Mabvuku Residents Association has echoed the skewed nature of operations in the council. " Levying something "illegal" is illegal." Residents in his area received the incredible bills, as did residents in Mbare and other Suburbs before police swooped in on them.

Mr. Kuwana, Chairperson of Mbare National Residents Association states that in his area people where being charged $3m to destroy the backyard structures. "Since most of the old women in the area do not have that kind of money" Mr. Kuwana noted " Council and the police are dragging passers-by and forcing them to destroy the structures. They want us to do their dirty work for them!"

In other areas residents are slowly getting to grips with the astronomical increases in rates. Reisidents are being charged $80,000.00 in sewerage and $50,000.00 in refuse collection. Both these are figures for the October 2004 budget projections that were vehemently rejected by residents on 4 February 2004 when CHRA hosted a Public meeting.

It comes as a suprise that council is using these rates. The 2005 Budget, if aproved, will actually have lower tarrifs in respect of both sewerage and refuse collection!

Our concern is on whether the Commission is legally entitled to levy residents when their term of office expires this week. Whilst minimal increases have been made on water and other amenities the Association is convinced that the whole process is flawed.

The boycott of rates in protest over the jarring irregularities seems the only feasible option. Remember IT IS ILLEGAL FOR COUNCIL TO CUT OFF WATER SUPPLY TO YOUR HOME! Combined Harare Residents Association is there to provide you with assistance in the event that council closes off your water supply.

Residents of Harare, unite and claim your democratic space!!

Visit the CHRA fact sheet

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