Gweru exempts senior citizens from paying rates

STEPHEN CHADENGA IN GWERU

Gweru City Council has said senior residents who are 70 years and above should apply for exemption from paying rates in a pilot project that it plans to carry out, Business Times can report.

Finance director Livingston Churu yesterday said prospective beneficiaries should provide proof they were the owners of properties.

“The city of Gweru is studying the feasibility of granting exemption from paying rates to its senior citizens who meet the qualifying criteria,”Churu said.

“The senior citizens should be 70 years and above. These individuals should be verified owners of the properties.”

Churu added: “They should have a rates statement proving they are the owner of the property. They should produce a certified and original copy of the deed, certified and original copy of an ID and birth certificate certified copy.”

He said the documents should be submitted to the finance department administration at the Town House from January 19 to February 24.

Gweru Progressive Residents and Ratepayers Development Association executive director David Chikore said the idea to exclude senior citizens was noble as they were struggling to raise money to pay their rates.

“This is quite a good proposal which l strongly hope would be passed as a council resolution after the feasibility study,”he said.

“Most senior citizens have been loyal in meeting their bills and rates obligation and there should be a time when they are rewarded. This can also work as an encouragement to other residents that if they pay their rates they would be absolved at some stage”

Meanwhile chairperson of the National Council of Disabled Persons of Zimbabwe Gweru chapter, Timothy Mpofu yesterday said people with disabilities should also be considered for exemption from paying rates.