HLB issues 7-day ultimatum on businesses
Providence Moyo
Businesses under the jurisdiction of Hwange Local Board (HLB) have been advised to clear their debts before Thursday in accordance with a 7-day ultimatum issued by the local authority last week.
HLB has threated to close all businesses that have defaulted payment of rates and licenses. This was made public by Acting Town Secretary P. Mabhureni through a circular dated 16 June.
“Note that a 10% penalty will be levied for payment made after 28 February 2023 for late renewal of license.”
According to HLB the closing of the “non – compliant business premises is in-line with council’s licensing By-laws and Zimbabwean law that requires the licensing of certain traders and businesses carries on in shops, stores and other fixed places of business Shop Licences Act Chapter 14 section 17.”
Greater Hwange Residents Trust Director Fidelis Chima pleaded for mercy from HLB arguing that businesses are finding it hard to yield.
“It is too much short notice and I am pleading with HLB to at least extend the deadline and give business owners more time to organise themselves and try to pay their debts. Businesses have not yet recovered from the COVID 19 pandemic and the economic crisis is adding to the financial crisis which at times fuels defaulting of these payments. It is undeniable truth that other businesses can afford to pay while others cannot. Small businesses will be the most affected. I believe it will be noble for the business sector and HLB to have a stakeholder engagement that will benefit both parties involved,” he said.
Chima called upon the business sector to try and negotiate for payment plans as a way of clearing their debts.
A shop owner who declined to be named said the local authority must exercise patience with business owners who are struggling due the unstable economic environment.
“It would be harsh to have our businesses closed. The instability of the rate has further compounded our situation and dealings with suppliers and customers. It is all just a mess. The timing is not good,” she said.
