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Council slashes rates for senior citizens
The Herald (Zimbabwe)
November 07, 2006

http://www1.herald.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=11054&cat=1&livedate=11/7/2006

Harare City Council has resolved to cut by half refuse collection, sewerage and supplementary charges for senior citizens and pensioners.

All residents who are 65 years and above and own property in Harare are covered as senior citizens and are eligible to benefit.

According to minutes of a finance committee meeting held last month, a census of pensioners and senior citizens carried out by the department of housing and community services showed that 4 050 pensioners and senior citizens had been identified.

At least 3 117 reside in high-density suburbs while 933 stay in the low-density areas.

The committee, however, emphasised the need for a rigorous authentication process for the identification of beneficiaries as the scheme has serious financial implications on the council.

"During the discussion, the committee reiterated the need for thorough verification processes.

"In response, the acting city treasurer reported that the verification process would also entail, among other things, consultations with various pension funds," read the minutes.

The committee resolved that all pensioners and senior citizens should, at the time of consideration, show proof of ownership of the property and should be in physical occupation of the said property at the time.

"The pensioners and senior citizens shall show proof that no other persons, other than their bona fide children and grandchildren, will be staying at the property and cannot meet the cost of rates and other charges," further reads the council resolution.

Eligible pensioners and senior citizens should not be in receipt of lodger’s fees that can meet council levies.

Pensioners are also required to provide proof that their pension is insufficient to meet council levies.

When transferring their property to their bona fide children and/or grandchildren, the pensioners and senior citizens would also be exempted from cession fees.

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