By Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI-Chiredzi Rural District Council (CRDC) is currently being bled by its debtors owing the local authority an approximate of US$2 million on housing schemes, safari operators with A2 farmers topping the list with an estimated debt of US$1 million on development levies.
CRDC recently held its first quarter council meeting where Chief Executive Officer, Ailes Baloyi highlighted that the council was owed close to US$2 million by various stakeholders including farmers, safari operators and housing conglomerates.
Speaking during the meeting at the council boardroom, Baloyi said A2 farmers owe the local authority close to US$1 million in land development levy while housing schemes and safari operators share the other million.
“A2 farmers owe council some US$1 million while safari operators owe council a total of US$314 175-10. Some of these debts date back to 2019 and 2022 respectively,” said Baloyi.
The finance committee highlighted that SSG Safaris’ total debt was US$228 087.90, Yatani Safaris with US$72 128.70 and Liloma with US$13 956.50.
Baloyi said stand owners formed the other group of debtors, which the finance committee urged the council to repossess stands for Buffalo Range Housing Project was owing the local authority close to a million dollars.
“Another group of debtors consist of stand owners. A number of Buffalo Range Housing Scheme beneficiaries owe council, since 2016, US$700 995.00 despite the window period having expired in 2019.
Baloyi further said the council was moving towards zero tolerance on corruption which they had advanced through setting up an integrity committee as well as council hotline.
“In its effort to promote integrity and fight corruption, council managed to set up an integrity committee. Management calls on all council employees and councilors to shun corruption and promote transparency at all times.
“For residents’ convenience, council operates a hotline. Please report any corrupt activities you come across by any members of council and staff. Residents can use the hotline to raise complaints with council. The hotline number is 0782287879,” said Baloyi.
