Harare City Council To Cut Rates As 2018 Approaches

The Harare City Council (HCC) in its latest budget recommendations which have been approved by the full council is set to implement massive cuts in rates. Water rates on commercial properties will be slashed by 50 percent while interest on outstanding rates owed by domestic users will be scrapped completely. Fixed charges for domestic users will be scrapped as well. Part of the proposed budget document reads:

• That interest on all domestic consumer accounts be written off upon fulfilment of the terms and conditions of an agreed payment plan;
• That fixed water charges be removed for all domestic consumers.
• That fixed water charges be reduced from the current US$50 to US$25 for industrial and commercial customers.
• That property tax for commerce and industry be reviewed downwards by 15 %.
• That all business licencing fees be reduced by 15 %.
• That all market fees be reduced by 15 %.

Speaking on the rates, Mayor Bernard Manyenyeni said: