Suburban
SENIOR citizens across the capital city will get a 50 percent discount on their monthly property tax and refuse collection bills once they have registered with the City of Harare’s e-billing system.
Ivan Zhakata Suburban Reporter
Revenue officer for Greendale District Office Mr Israel Gwara who is responsible for billing, charges, queries related to the same and payments as well as debt management has urged all senior citizens (65 years and above) to take up the offer and have enjoy the discount to have their bills cut by half.
Mr Gwara said the senior citizens will qualify for the discount upon completion of an application form, payment of $500 RTGS and after the application is approved a ratepayer can start benefiting from the 50 percent rebate on monthly property tax and refuse charges.
“We will endeavour for a one stop shop while anything beyond we will be assisted by the superiors, the District Officer, the Area Controller and Head Office but the aim is, where possible, to have you assisted locally,” he said.
“Please note that council has alluded in the media to migrating to e-billing where you can receive your monthly bills (both residential and commercial) on your email platforms if you are on the facility. Thus I humbly urge those who have not yet registered for the facility to send their email addresses.
“I also humbly urge all senior citizens (65 years and above) to take up an offer where you complete a relevant form and on completion, payment of $500 RTGS and approval of same you can start benefiting from a 50 percent rebate on monthly property tax and refuse charges. To qualify for the rebate, the property must be registered in your name not company name and the beneficiary must be living (on the property),” said Mr Gwara.
Mr Gwara said due to the Covid-19 pandemic, movements were restricted and the application form is accessible in soft copy format upon request on the City of Harare website www.hararecity.co.zw and residents can then download the form.
“Tomorrow at the office I am going to post online banking facilities which you can as well utilize for payments from the comfort of your homes and offices,” he said.
While the move to offer a 50 percent discount to senior citizens is welcome, most senior citizens are not active on online platforms and might not have email addresses.
According to Mr Gwara’s notice, senior citizens will still have to pay their water and sewage charges in full as the discount only applies to property tax and refuse collection charges.
It was not clear if the senior citizens discount also extends to other council services and charges such as cemeteries as well as clinic and hospital fees.
