A Bulawayo councillor has called for the adoption of e-governance, saying it would transform service delivery by allowing residents to pay rates and access services without physically visiting municipal offices.
Ward 2 Councillor Adrian Rendani Moyo made the call during an engagement meeting with the Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA), and the Vendors Initiative for Socio-Economic Transformation (VISET).
Cllr Moyo said digital systems would ease compliance and improve efficiency, while also reducing frustrations faced by residents and businesses.
“We need to have a one-stop shop in terms of licensing. Residents should not go to many different offices for one service,” he said.
He added that the cost of compliance remained a challenge for some residents.
“Some people do not comply not because they do not want to, but because of the cost of compliance,” he said, suggesting incentives to reward compliant residents and businesses.
The councillor emphasised a collaborative approach to city management.
“The message is very clear that we are all partners at the end of the day. The city needs residents and economic actors to function, and stakeholders also need services,” he said.
Although property rates are set to rise, Cllr Moyo said the government had directed that licence fees should be reduced, though the exact margin was not yet clear. He urged residents to examine the budget carefully and prioritise pressing needs such as water, sanitation and health.
Residents at the meeting raised concerns over high water bills despite ongoing shortages, as well as underutilised council-owned properties such as farms and bars. Some business owners also complained of unfair competition from non-compliant vendors trading in front of licensed businesses.
In response to billing concerns, Cllr Moyo advised residents to seek clarification from council offices.
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