Harare Mayor, Councilor Bernard Manyenyeni has assured residents that City of Harare has successfully parted ways with Wellcash Debt Collectors (Pvt) (Ltd) who were contracted to collect unpaid revenue from residents.
Manyenyeni who was speaking at a public meeting organized by the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) in the high density suburb of Rugare, Ward 30, on Monday, said they had listened to concerns from residents regarding the “brutal” operations of Wellcash Debt Collectors resulting in the termination of their contract.
“I would like to tell residents here to deal with council directly even if you are approached by Wellcash Debt Collectors. We have terminated the contract of Wellcash Debt Collectors and we are now using internal mechanisms to recover money owed by residents.
“We have listened to the concerns coming from residents and residents’ associations and we urge residents to ensure that the amounts reflecting on their bills are the correct ones before they come to council to make payment plans. The biggest concern coming from CHRA was the issue of Wellcash Debt Collectors. We stopped them because there were complaints over their arrogant behaviour and also, the money that some residents were said to owe council was largely contested,” said Manyenyeni.
He admitted that it was unfair for City of Harare to unleash debt collectors on residents at a time the Zimbabwean economy is on its knees, attributing non-payment by of rates by residents to the current economic situation in the country.
Mayor Manyenyeni who is also ward 17 Councilor is on record saying it is misleading for city management to claim that revenue collection had significantly improved following council’s decision to engage Wellcash Debt Collectors.
On another note, Ward 30 Councilor, Peter Moyo pledged continuous engagement with residents to ensure that their concerns are addressed.
This has brought relief to Harare residents who had endured months of harassment and loss of property from Wellcash Debt Collectors.
