Redcliff Municipality to peg bills in US dollars

CASH-strapped Redcliff Municipality has announced plans to bill residents for services and goods exclusively in United States dollars starting July 1, 2023, but debtors would have the option of paying in local currency at the prevailing inter-bank rate.

US Dollars

The move, it said, was to cushion itself in light of the hyper-inflation in the economy. In a public notice to residents and stakeholders, town clerk Mr Gilson Chakauya said outstanding debts would also be converted to US dollars, and attract interest at 150 percent per annum.

“All bills for goods and services shall be generated in United States dollars with effect from 1st July 2023. All non-billable like plan approval fees, fines, water and sewer connections etc, shall be charged in United States dollars and stakeholders are encouraged to pay in USD,” he said.

However, Mr Chakauya said the town’s approved 2023 budget would remain unchanged, despite the currency changes.

Meanwhile, the local authority is forging ahead with its expansion programme that will see a new modern central business district (CBD) being constructed along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway at the Redcliff Turnoff.

In line with the Government’s Smart City Concept, Redcliff has expressed its desire to be a smart city so as lure investors and improve livelihoods. Already, a service station and a shopping mall have been constructed at the site and are now open to customers. The mall houses fast food outlets, bars, electric gadgets as well as grocery shops among other services.

A hotel, more service stations and shopping malls are earmarked for construction on the 250-hectare piece of land. Town clerk, Mr Gilson Chakauya said they were receiving inquiries from a number of investors who are keen on partnering them on the project.

“We have done all necessary applications with relevant ministries and we are currently releasing both commercial and residential stands. We have a number of investors who are keen on working with us and we are looking at their proposals because we want to adhere to our minimum standards and we are not compromising,” he said. — New Ziana/Business Reporter