ChiTown businesspeople fume over rates hike

CHITUNGWIZA businesspeople have accused council of unilaterally hiking rental fees above black market rates when they have not yet fully recovered from effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The concerns were raised by Chitungwiza businessman Rishon Mareya in a WhatsApp group for the dormitory town, which includes acting town clerk Evangelista Machona.

The group often holds interactive sessions.

“We are worried about the hiking of rates and licence fees. Generally, the government has managed to curtail the black-market rates. Unfortunately, your charges are far above the black market rates. Kindly help us because we are still struggling from the effects of COVID-19,” Mareya said.

He said charges based on black market rates had resulted in residents now owing millions of dollars in arrears, while commercial rates were also hiked by 600% from $150 000 to $480 000.

For residential areas, the rentals went up from US$17,74 to US$25,50.

Another businessman Stanley Soda demanded to know why Chitungwiza council kept hiking fees.

“It is abnormal and now it appears as if you want to punish residents. That is why illegal vending stalls are mushrooming,” Soda said.

One resident, Joshua Mafunde said: “Where and when were the consultations done? We are just being tormented by people who don’t care about residents.”

Acting mayor Kiven Mutimbanyoka said the concerns were genuine.

“To all those with genuine grievances and developmental ideas about our ever growing council, kindly come through to council for a meaningful engagement. We are open to ideas, discussions and criticism but we can’t do much on a WhatsApp platform. Our offices are open to all,” he said.

Chitungwiza Business Association secretary-general David Ndoro told NewsDay that they will formally engage council on the matter.-newsday