FILABUSI residents have expressed concern over rate statements issued by the Insiza Rural District Council (IRDC) with balances dating back to 2019, saying the accumulated charges have become an unmanageable financial burden.
The issue emerged during a stakeholder engagement meeting on Friday, where residents questioned council officials over rates, development plans and outstanding balances.
Residents challenged the council over how the amounts had been calculated, particularly where properties had been developed at different times.
They also complained that council staff had failed to provide regular billing statements over the years, leaving property owners unaware that they were accumulating debts.
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Residents further questioned the charges in the absence of what they considered adequate service delivery in their neighbourhoods.
“Why are we paying refuse collection when we have never seen the council tractor collecting garbage?” one resident asked during the meeting.
Another resident questioned the lack of basic infrastructure.
“There are no roads and council vehicles do not come into our area,” the resident said.
Town Board Administrator Pardon Moyo said the council had delayed enforcing some payments to cushion homeowners, but residents had not been required to pay stand balances.
He also sought to clarify the distinction between service charges and rates, saying rates only began in 2025.
“The council has been lenient because it understands that residents need a roof over their heads,” Moyo said.
He said although rates had initially been scheduled for billing in 2024, the council deferred the effective payment date to 2025.
Moyo said property owners incur service-related liabilities once they take occupation of a stand under government lease conditions.
“The lease from the government says the day you deposit a stand you start paying refuse fee, because you will generate refuse when building,” he said.
He also cautioned residents against illegally dumping waste under bridges, saying this could block drainage and water passages.
IRDC treasurer Nqobizitha Dube outlined the council’s approved 2026 fee structure during the meeting.
Under the schedule, monthly refuse collection charges are $5 for high- and medium-density areas, $7 for low-density areas and $7 for commercial properties.
Residential stands across all density zones attract a monthly charge of $2, while commercial rates are calculated using a factor of 0.0003 multiplied by the property’s valuation per month.
Despite the explanations, residents maintained that the council should first address service delivery concerns and improve billing transparency before pursuing historical arrears.
Residents resolved to meet town board councillors again and ask them to take their concerns to council management.
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