Harare City is owed US$300 million in unpaid rates and supplementary charges, an increase from US$250 million the local authority was owed in November last year. Harare Mayor Muchadeyi Masunda yesterday said residents owed the city US$80 million while US$100 million was owed by the private sector. Government ministries and departments owe Harare City US$120 million.

Mayor Masunda said Chitungwiza Municipality owed Harare US$12 million. He said the huge debt was compromising service delivery in the capital city.

"Council is forking out money to improve services, but the residents, private sector and Government are not keeping their commitment to the payment of their bills.

"Right now, we are spending a lot of money on re-laying water pipes and have to hire plant and equipment which is expensive."

He said people should not complain about service delivery when they are not paying their bills.