Solwezi Council offers 30 percent waiver on unpaid rates
SOLWEZI Municipal Council has offered a 30 percent waiver on outstanding rates to encourage property owners settle their bills and also as a way of encouraging them to paint and pave their buildings.
Currently, the local authority is owed over K5 million in property rates.
This came to light during an ordinary full council meeting held in the council chamber yesterday.
In his report, Town Clerk Bornwell Luanga said the local authority was mandated to collect the rates or face audit queries. “I wish to report to this August Houuse that a number of commercial property owners have not been compliant with payments of property rates which has resulted into the council being owed over K5 million,’’ Mr Luanga said.
He said the proposed waiver was strictly for meant for commercial property owners to encourage them paint their buildings and pave the frontage of their premises in preparations for the Expo North West Zambia 2019.
Mr Luanga said that property owners were previously encouraged to apply a fresh coat of paint on theor buildings as per council resolution.
“However, they did not comply, therefore management wishes to engage them again and this time also offer them a 30 percent waiver on their outstanding bills as a way of enticing them to carry out the works in the quickest possible time,’’ he added.
Mr Luanga said the local authority has since given property owners up to the second week of July to show commitment of painting and paving their buildings.
And Mayor, Nicholas Mukumbi, said the local authority was working round the clock to prepare for the North West Expo slated for August this year.
‘’I also wish to congratulate the council for the award they received as a cleanest institution in the district during the Labour Day celebreations this year,’’ he said.
Mr Mukumbi also called on the police command to curb the criminal activities the district has witnessed in the recent past.
He said perpetrators of crime could threaten peace during the expo.