Factors that lead to the non-payment of municipal Rates and service charges using Harare municipality

Author

Mamutse,Tinotenda

Title

Factors that lead to the non-payment of municipal Rates and service charges using Harare municipality

Abstract

Revenue collection is a major challenge for most local authorities in Zimbabwe. This is because poor revenue collection has hindered the ability of local authorities to effectively deliver services. Local authorities have the power to charge for services rendered, but many residents of Harare are not paying for these services. This is due to a number of factors, including dissatisfaction with the quality of service, lack of trust in the local authority, and inability to afford the fees. The study utilized both the mixed methodology approach where qualitative and quantitative were factored in. A Case study design of Harare municipality was used to study and obtain data. A sample size of 14 rate payers, 3 councillors and 28 employees was used. Data was collected from interviews and questionnaires. Google forms were used to distribute the questioners. Data was analysed with SPSS software statistics analysis. The study established that Harare municipality is facing non-payment of municipal rates and service charges prior unaffordability worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as most businesses closed, exacerbating unemployment levels, poor revenue collection practices and illegal access to municipal services. Dissatisfaction of ratepayers by the services they are receiving Perceived lack of engaging consumers was identified as one main cause of service delivery protests. The research was also aimed at assessing the sources of revenue at HCC. The research further aimed to devise strategies which can be used by HCC to improve revenue collection. The research further unveiled that there is lack of transparency and accountability in the form of funds misappropriations, political interference and embezzlement of funds by top officials at HCC. The research recommended that in order to improve service delivery Local Authorities must devise and promote new revenue collection strategies such online billing and implement pay as you use facility.

Date

June 2023

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Local Authority

Arrears

Billing

Supervisor

N/A