Harare residents urged to boycott paying rates and charges

By Tichaona Sibanda
17 November 2005

The Combined Harare Residents Association is urging all residents of the city to exercise their financial power and withhold rates and other charges until there is a legitimate council and a Mayor in charge at Town House.

Mike Davies, chairman of CHRA said this action has been prompted by the extension of the term of the Makwavarara Commission to run the affairs of the city for the next six months.

‘This illegal Commission has failed to run the affairs of Harare and should be removed before inflicting further misery on residents. Makwavarara and her fellow puppets should not stay a day longer at Town House because they have caused irreparable damage to the city,’ said Davies.

CHRA said by extending the term of the illegal Harare Commission, Local Government minister, Ignatius Chombo has demonstrated to the whole world that the regime that he represents has scant regard for the rule of law.

The Urban Councils Act explicitly states that once the term of commissioners has expired after six months, it cannot be extended beyond a further three months.

Davies said CHRA has never had any illusions about the sinister intentions of the regime regarding local authorities.

‘Murambatsvina demonstrated that the regime is quite prepared to reduce Harare and other urban centres literally to rubble. Residents continue to pay for collapsed service delivery. Refuse collection has effectively ceased throughout Harare, he said.

In light of this, said Davies, CHRA will do what ever it can to establish good governance in the capital. He urged residents to participate in whatever way they can to speak out and be heard.