Residents in Bulawayo have been urged to sign up for an online billing system as the city council moves to improve revenue collection and reduce the use of paper bills.
The city’s finance manager, Euthera Siziba, said residents should register their email addresses and mobile numbers so they can receive electronic bills and access their accounts from home.
Speaking at a residents’ meeting at Pumula North Hall on Wednesday, Siziba said the council was shifting towards a paperless system to make it easier for people to view and settle their accounts.
“We are doing this to help residents not to travel to city council offices but do it in the comfort of their homes,” he said.
Residents will receive their bills through email or messaging platforms, while those without WhatsApp or email accounts will receive them via SMS, he added.
The move comes as the council struggles with low payment levels in some suburbs. Siziba said residents in Pumula owed the municipality about ZiG34 million (around $1.3m).
“About 80% of residents are not paying their bills, while only 20% are paying,” he said, warning that the shortfall was affecting service delivery.
He urged residents with outstanding balances to approach the council to arrange payment plans, which would allow them to make an initial deposit and then settle the remaining amount over time.
“Payment plans are structured according to one’s ability to pay,” he said.
Siziba also outlined the council’s billing structure, which includes fixed charges for services such as water, sewerage, refuse collection and property rates.
For homes measuring 200 square metres or less, the fixed water charge is $2.25, sewerage $0.82, refuse collection $7.43 and property rates $5.23, he said.
Variable charges are then added depending on consumption.
He noted that fixed charges still apply even if households do not receive water, and advised residents to repair leaking pipes and ensure taps are properly closed to avoid high bills.
Siziba also said the council was currently facing a shortage of water meters after some were stolen.
“If residents have money, they can buy their meters and bring them for testing at the water works together with their invoice, and the money will be transferred to their accounts,” he said.
Ward 17 councillor, Sikhululekile Moyo, warned that residents who repeatedly fail to pay their bills could face legal action.
“Pay your bills every month to avoid confiscation of your houses by the council,” she said.
She added that the council would first send SMS reminders, make phone calls and issue written notices before taking further legal steps.
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