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Masvingo- The management at Masvingo City Council (MCC) and the residents body leaders of Masvingo United Residents and Rate Payers Alliance (MURRA) have finally reached a compromise and agreed to reduce the current exchange rate for bills payment from ZWG34.194 to ZWG32.5.
This development came out after a protracted meeting that was attended by MURRA, board chairperson and Director, Thomas Mbetu and Anoziva Muguti respectively with MCC management on Friday 28 November.
MCC was represented by Town Clerk, Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa, Finance Director, Dunstar Jori and Chamber Secretary, Vitalis Shonai.
Muguti confirmed the development while giving feedback to MURRA members after the meeting.
“We had a meeting with Masvingo City Council management. They agreed to reduce the exchange rate from 34.195 to 32.5, with effect from the 1st of December 2025. We will also have monthly review meetings to keep track of the rates. Thank you for your patience and input. We will keep you updated,” Muguti told his membership.
Efforts to get a comment from Engineer Mukaratirwa were fruitless as he was not picking up his phone while Jori said he was not cleared to engage the media.
The local authority had been at loggerheads with residents who felt the rate was too high and at par with the black market when the official bank rate hovers between 25 and 28.
Some residents expressed a sigh of relief upon receiving the briefing although they expected the rate to be reduced further.
“At least the efforts were rewarded. Thank you leadership and all residents for the amplified voices, stay blessed,” said Sue Zvarebwanashe.
Human Rights activist and former ward 7 aspiring councilor, Prosper Tiringindi, hailed MURRA and MCC for coming up with a concession.
“Thank you so much Director Mr. Muguti for this initiative we really appreciate as residents and thank you so much council for being responsive to residents pleas , we thank you so much, “ said Tiringindi.
Muguti however said the rate will be reviewed continuously every month in comparison with other retail institutions and corporates who offer services to the people.
“We agreed that we will keep reviewing the rate on a monthly basis comparing it with rates from retail institutions like Pick and Pay among others,” he said.
The Local authority had justified the high exchange rate and argued that they had increased the rate following a special Statutory Instrument by government and said it was done to enable procurement of substances like water treatment chemicals that are purchased in foreign currency.
