By Patience Gondo
A Beitbridge businessman Beji Muleya raised his reservations about Beitbridge Municipality billing system he said left a lot to be desired.
Muleya said a few days after clearing his bill, he was surprised to see the same amount appearing on his account.
He was speaking the questions and comments session of Tuesday morning 2025 mid-term budget review meeting hosted by the Municipality of Beitbridge.
He questioned the accuracy and transparency of the debt collection system, highlighting issues that many residents have experienced.
Muleya said , he consistently pays his bills on time, yet he has noticed that his outstanding balance mysteriously reverts to previous unpaid amounts shortly after making a payment.
“I always pay my bills promptly, but when I return after a few days, the bill reflects the same amount I already cleared,” he said.
“This is frustrating and makes me doubt the council’s accounting system.”
This complaint reflects the growing frustration among ratepayers, particularly as the council has acknowledged in its half-year report that it faces significant challenges in revenue collection.
Many residents are increasingly alarmed by the mounting debts owed to the council.
In response to these concerns, the acting finance director, Doubt Moyo, assured residents that the council is aware of the issue and is actively working to improve billing accuracy.
Moyo said plans for system upgrades and enhanced customer service to address the discrepancies.
“It might be technical glitches or software bugs leading to incorrect amounts being displayed,”
“We are committed to resolving any issues and improving transparency,” he said.
This situation arises as the municipality grapples with over ZWL$2 billion it is owed which complicates its ability to finance critical infrastructure projects without devolution funds.
Residents and stakeholders are calling on the council to urgently address these billing inconsistencies to ensure fairness and restore confidence in public services.
Another resident said the municipality must move fast and introduce prepaid metres which would answer all debt issues.