Is the City of Harare overstepping its jurisdiction? Or are they now enforcing laws based on desperation? Some Zimbabweans seem to think so based on the recent City of Harare announcements.
The City of Harare body is responsible for providing services to Harare residents. In addition they collect bills from citizens who use these services. However, their recent addition to the list of bills they collect is raising eyebrows.
They’ve added the following:
- Cyclists will now be expected to pay cycle fees to the city.
- Dog owners will be expected to pay dog licenses. However, if dogs wander away from their enclosed walls, they will be put to rest to protect citizens from dog bites and rabies.
- Civilians that help control traffic will be dealt with for such behaviour
- Property owners are responsible for taking care of the frontage of their property. This includes the removal of vendors.
View the related tweets below:
Council is now collecting dog licences from city dog owners. pic.twitter.com/LAi9ACkDcy
— City of Harare (@cohsunshinecity) June 1, 2021
All owners of bicycles are expected to pay cycle fees to the city. pic.twitter.com/qmojc0W4hr
— City of Harare (@cohsunshinecity) June 1, 2021
Some Zimbabweans have referred to these changes as madness. Other have called this daylight robbery as they view this as a way for the City of Harare to further milk the citizens dry without actually providing any proper services to them.
Other citizens just made note of all the services that rate payers expect the City of Harare to deliver that they aren’t currently delivering. This includes the collection of refuse and the provision of clean water.
While other countries are encouraging the use of bicycle to reduce carbon footprints, the City of Harare is discouraging it by means of these fees.
What are your thoughts on this matter?
Let us know in the comment section below.