By Kelvin Kasiwulaya
The City of Gweru has launched a new promotional campaign aimed at reducing the amount owed by residents for municipal services.
The “Clear Your Bill & WIN” campaign will see residents who have paid their outstanding balances entered into a lucky dip draw for a chance to win prizes.
The promotion is being launched at a time when the city is owed more than 12 billion by residents, many of whom have refused to pay their bills due to a perceived lack of service delivery.
Outgoing Mayor Councillor Hamutendi Kombyi has acknowledged these concerns, but has emphasized the importance of paying bills on time.
“As council, I think we should channel more resources towards the provision of water because residents cannot pay for water which they are not receiving,” he said at a recent full council meeting.
To participate in the draw, residents must visit the Customer Care Hub and see Mrs Machacha at the Town House and present a receipt showing a balance of 0.00 on Friday 21 July 2023.
Alternatively, they can visit the City of Gweru stand at the Midlands Agricultural Show on Friday 21 July and Saturday 22 July and present their receipt to Mr Chiranga.
Welcoming the promotion, Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) Executive Director Cornelius Selipiwe said, the promotion should serve to improve the quality of service delivery in the city.
“As long as these people are giving us proper quality service delivery and as long as they are billing us in a Just way which is in tandem with our service consumption. We welcome the promotion.”
“But what we don’t want is a situation where they want us to be part of a bill payment promotion for services that are not rendered.However, we support and welcome any positive initiative by our local authority,” he said.
“I think it’s a great initiative,” said resident Tafadzwa Mugove. “It’s always good to have a little extra motivation to pay bills on time, and the chance to win
The Clear Your Bill & WIN campaign is being run by the City of Gweru Communication and Public Relations Office, and is set to run throughout the month of July.