Kariba disconnects water defaulters

KARIBA Municipality is nearly $100 million in debt and has resolved to disconnect water for all residents in arrears.

With a collection efficiency of around 43 percent, the debt is expected to continue ballooning if no interventions are implemented.

Already a debt of $16,9 million has accumulated since the beginning of the year, with council owing creditors $22,4 million during the same period.

In total, Kariba owes creditors nearly $65 million.

Zesa has since switched off council, forcing it to use a diesel-powered generator at its head office.

In a general notice, town clerk Mr Richard Kamhoti said disconnections will begin next week.

“Please note that the Municipality of Kariba will embark on a water disconnection exercise on all properties with effect from Monday, 12 April, 2021,” he said.

“Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to clear their arrears or visit council offices to make payment plans to avoid any inconvenience.”

But residents associations have called for softer methods of pushing residents to clear their arrears.

Kariba Incorporated Ratepayers and Residents Association (KIARRA) spokesperson Mr Obert Siamulandu said the timing was wrong as residents have not recovered from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are greatly concerned by the move taken by council because some residents have been financially incapacitated to settle their bills on time,” said Mr Siamulandu.

“Therefore, we urge council to consider the issue of payment plans as this will make life easier for residents and council.”

However, he called on residents to approach council with reasonable payment plans.

Kariba Urban Residents Association (KURA) spokesperson Mr Samson Kofi said council should engage residents.

“We are not happy as residents. Council can come up with several ways of encouraging residents to settle and clear their arrears without necessarily being confrontational,” said Mr Kofi.

“Promotions can push a lot of people to pay up, thereby resulting in the debt being reduced. They can also review the cost of providing services so that many people pay. These would yield better results.”