Harare City Council has refused to take full responsibility
for poor service delivery in the capital, saying ratepayers, who are not
fulfilling their obligations, are also to blame.
Speaking at council and labour unions debriefing held in
Harare last Thursday, MDC secretary for elections, who is also a Harare
councillor, Jacob Mafume described the issue of service delivery as a chicken
and egg situation.
“We have to pay for the services in order for the service
to come. Which starts first is a debate which everyone is engaged in, but
people must understand that in these days for the telephone you must pay first
before using the airtime, for data you pay first before using the airtime,”
Mafume said.
“The council is the only one where people get service first
and pay later. We use an arrears payment process and many residents do not
understand that.
“They believe they are paying for what they are getting
upfront. We give you a service first and you pay for it. That system is very
difficult to sustain.”
Mafume also claimed that poor service delivery could not be
totally pinned down on disgruntled workers, but someone had messed up.
“We are all aware of the inflationary environment and the
harsh economic times as a result of austerity measures introduced at central
government level. We have been trying to catch up and find ways to alleviate
the welfare of employees.” he said
“The shortcomings of the council are not really caused by
disgruntled workers, someone messed up and it’s not us. We are trying to do the
best we can with the lemonade we are being served.”
Mafume said issues to do with inflation, shortage of cash
and liquidity should be addressed to Finance minister Mthuli Ncube.
“Concerns being raised regarding inflation, cash shortage
and issues of liquidation must be addressed to Mthuli. We are hoping our
colleagues will persuade minister Mthuli to delay the effort of going to space
or the moon so that we can use that money to deal with people here on earth. I
am sure the moon can wait for us,” Mafume said. Newsday
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