Beverly Bizeki
Masvingo City Council is owed over ZWL$ 12 billion as at June 2023 making a record 244 percent increase from the May 2023 balance.
According to Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting minutes dated July 20, 2023, the debtors balances for June 2023 stood at ZWL$ 12 327 252 924.
“The committee considered the report of the Finance Director on debtors and debt collections (receivables and management) for the month of June 2023. Debtors and balances as at June 30, 2023 amounted to ZWL$ 12 327 252 924 an increase of 244 percent from the May 2023 balance,” read the minutes.
It was also indicated council had collected ZWL$ 3 086 163 266, 87 in the same month.
“A total of ZWL$ 3 086 163 266, 87 was collected during the month translating to a collection efficiency of 29, 77 percent,” read the minutes.
Under that section council also indicated that water statements were now going to be distributed on the 15th of every month to improve revenue collection efficiency.
“It was reported that statements which used to be distributed after the 25th of every month were now being distributed to rate payers on the 15th of every month thereby giving council a good chance to maximize collections towards end of month,” read the minutes.
In May 2023, council indicated that it was being owed ZWL$ 5 047 211 293 with government departments topping the debtors list with 29 percent of the overall debt.