MDC-T orders Harare City Council to cancel its contract with private debt collectors

MDC-T has ordered Harare City Council management to cancel its contracts with private debt collectors following an outcry from residents, who protested the attachment of their properties over unpaid bills.

The MDC-T-dominated council, which claims that it is owed $600 million by ratepayers, recently contracted debt collectors to help recover the money, but the move has angered residents, who accused the opposition party of failing to defend them. Speaking to NewsDay, MDC-T spokesperson Obert Gutu said:

We are glad to advise that it’s just a matter of a few days before the debt collectors’ contracts are withdrawn. Council has always had other lawful and legitimate means of collecting revenue from residents, instead of unleashing bouncers and thugs masquerading as debt collectors.

Harare mayor, Bernard Manyenyeni confirmed the city was relooking at the debt collectors’ issue, which has mainly affected low- income earners. Council spokesperson, Michael Chideme said the local authority would continue to engage unpaid debtors to come up with a payment plan.

More: NewsDay