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MWENEZI- The Mwenezi Rural District Council (MRDC) says unpaid rates totaling US$2.3 million are threatening key service delivery projects, with A2 commercial farmers accounting for the bulk of the debt.
MRDC Chief Executive Officer Albert Ndhlovu Chivanga said the revenue shortfall has stalled infrastructure and community development programs across the district.
“Our development trajectory has been stalled by the non-payment of rates, particularly by A2 farmers in the district who now owe us over US$2.3 million,” Chivanga said.
“As a result, we have engaged professional debt collectors to recover the outstanding funds so that we can channel them towards service delivery in line with our mandate.”
Business Backs Council, But Calls for Rate Relief
While the council moves to tighten revenue collection, local business leaders have given mixed feedback.
Maxwell Muzvidziwa, Chairperson of the Neshuro Business Community, commended MRDC for improvements in waste management, noting that refuse is now collected up to three times a week in Rutenga and Neshuro growth points.
However, he said high rates and lease fees were pushing businesses and farmers further into arrears.
“We urged the council to consider rate adjustments to encourage timely payments and ensure seamless service continuity,” Muzvidziwa said.
He also called on the authority to prioritize the tarring of the 12km road linking the Beitbridge highway to Neshuro, arguing that the upgrade was critical to attract investors and allow suppliers to access local markets.
The council says recovered funds will be channeled into roads, water, sanitation and other essential services.
Analysts note that balancing debt recovery with affordability will be key — without payment plans or rate reviews, enforcement alone risks deepening defaults and hurting agricultural productivity in Mwenezi.
