• Rate payers’ failure to settle outstanding rates arrears on time has negatively affected the Council’s ability.
• The local authority is calling on property owners to fulfil their obligation to pay rates immediately.
• The council assures rate payers that efforts are being made to sustain the continued modernization of service provision bills delivery system
Luanshya Municipal Council reveals it is owed over K24 Million in unremitted property rates by owners of residential, commercial and industrial properties.
Council Public Relations Officer Gideon Thole told Money FM news that Council records shows that for the period of January 1st up to July,31,2022, property owners owe Luanshya Municipal Council K14, 921, 329 -06 Ngwee while industrial and commercial property owners are expected to pay K 9,857,339-02Ngwee which has not been remitted
He noted rate payers’ failure to settle outstanding rates arrears on time has negatively affected the Council’s ability to efficiently and effectively implement its service delivery mandate.
Mr. Thole said property owners are encouraged to engage the Council’s department of finance which has come up with a payment plan facilitating for the settling of rates arrears in instalments to avoid bailiffs pouncing on them after being served with demand notices.
“The local authority is calling on property owners to fulfil their obligation to pay rates immediately after receiving the bills which are distributed after every six months,” Mr Thole said.
He further disclosed that Luanshya Municipal Council embarked on the locally generated revenue financed Restore Luanshya Campaign, which aims at reclaiming the Garden Town status.
Mr Thole explained the initiative has among others come up with sustained concerted efforts aimed at addressing challenges in the areas of infrastructure development, waste management and Keep Luanshya Clean Campaign.
According to Mr. Thole, “the Restore Luanshya Campaign main areas on concern also includes addressing community and social issues, markets and bus stations operations, mobile services booths allocations regulations, publicity and stakeholders engagement services.”
The Public Relations officer narrated that as a way of enhancing revenue collection the Council plans to introduce modern electronic billing (E-Billing) systems indicating that once it is operationised the E-billing system will enable the Council to send mobile phone texts, emails and WhatsApp messages to property owners in a cheaper, convent and faster way.
He added that the council assures rate payers that efforts are being made to sustain the continued modernization of service provision bills delivery system and stakeholders’ engagement in order to improve the levels of efficiency and maximize the service delivery benefits to residents.
