. . . Mberengwa rules out tariff hikes in 2018

MBERENGWA Rural District Council (MRDC) will not hike tariffs next year as it proposed an unchanged $1,8 million budget for 2018.

MRDC chief executive officer Mr Julius Mashavakure on Monday said council had seen it fit to propose a standstill budget since this year’s revenue underperformed.

“Looking at the performance of the current budget and also the economic situation, we didn’t see it wise and prudent to propose for an increase,” said Mr Mashavakure.

“We didn’t get revenue as we expected this year.

“We will remain conservative and limited to available resources.”

Mr Mashavakure said when the 2017 budget was proposed, council anticipated to collect at least 75 percent of the revenue, but managed a paltry 32 percent.

“Looking at the time that is left, we cannot expect to reach 100 percent revenue collection rate; it is no longer possible. That is why the budget figure has remained as it is because we want to remain as close to reality as possible,” he said.

Mberengwa is currently working on engaging debt collectors to recover outstanding debts from ratepayers.

“This is because there are some (debtors) who have taken too long to settle our dues, so we think if we do that they may pay up.

“And another strategy is persuading debtors to come forward with payment plans before we are left with the last resort of engaging debt collectors,” said Mr Mashavakure.