Redcliff Municipality has unveiled a plan to start billing its residents for services and goods in US dollars from July 1, 2023. However, debtors will be given the option of paying in the local currency at the prevailing inter-bank rate.
The move has been attributed to the hyper-inflation in the economy and is aimed at cushioning the municipality’s finances. The town clerk, Gilson Chakauya, announced that outstanding debts would also be converted to US dollars and would attract interest at a staggering 150 percent per annum.
Chakauya assured residents that the approved 2023 budget would remain unchanged despite the currency changes. He also added that non-billable fees such as plan approval fees, fines, water, and sewer connections would be charged in US dollars, and stakeholders are encouraged to pay in USD.
In a public notice to residents and stakeholders, Chakauya stated that all bills for goods and services would be generated in US dollars with effect from July 1, 2023. The notice also encouraged stakeholders to pay in USD for non-billable fees such as plan approval fees, fines, water and sewer connections.
