Source: Karoi launches debt recovery blitz over US$7 million in unpaid rates –Newsday Zimbabwe
KAROI, Jul. 15 (NewsDay Live) – Karoi Town Council has launched a debt recovery blitz targeting residents and businesses owing more than US$7 million in unpaid rates and service charges, as the local authority struggles to maintain basic service delivery.
In a notice dated July 13, the council said teams began issuing Small Claims Court orders on Tuesday to recover outstanding assessment rates, refuse collection fees, rentals and other municipal debts.
“The exercise will commence on Tuesday, July 14… Officers from council will be issuing Small Claims Court orders throughout Karoi,” the notice said.
Council figures for the period ending June 30, 2026, show total arrears of US$7,022,656.
High-density suburbs account for the largest share of the debt at US$2.94 million, or 41.9% of the total. Medium-density areas owe US$999,273.92 (14.2%), while commercial properties account for US$889,104.25 (12.7%).
Combined, residential ratepayers owe about US$4.3 million, representing 61.3% of all outstanding debt. Other arrears include US$795,636.50 for terminable leases, US$608,627.53 from industrial properties, US$330,577.83 in business licence fees and US$43,499.72 owed by government institutions.
The recovery exercise comes as residents complain of worsening service delivery, including uncollected refuse, deteriorating roads in suburbs such as Chikangwe and Chiedza, and recurring water shortages.
“Council remains committed to providing quality services subject to timeous payment of rates and service charges by all,” the local authority said.
Residents, however, argue that they are reluctant to settle their accounts because essential services have continued to deteriorate. Farmers, who own a significant proportion of property in Karoi, say weaker tobacco earnings this season have left many struggling to meet their financial obligations.
The council did not disclose how many ratepayers are in arrears or indicate how any recovered funds would be allocated.
The recovery campaign highlights the financial pressures facing local authorities, with declining revenue collection undermining their ability to maintain infrastructure and provide basic municipal services.
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