The Gaborone City Council (GCC) currently has an outstanding property tax debt of approximately P500 million. This information was disclosed by GCC Town Clerk Lopang Pule during a signing ceremony involving Access Bank and GoSmart Value. The collaboration aims to develop an online system to streamline the collection of property taxes.

Pule noted that there are around 54,000 taxable properties in Gaborone, many of which have overdue property taxes. This backlog hampers development projects, as property taxes are a key source of funding for the city council.

"Council's funding comes from two sources: government subsidies and the collection of levies and taxes, with property taxes being a significant component," he explained.

Pule highlighted that the new system developed by GoSmart Value will simplify the payment process for residents and enhance GCC's financial management. "Once launched in a few weeks, this system will provide a convenient, accurate, and secure method for paying rates," he said, expressing confidence that it will reduce unpaid property taxes.

The PayRates Initiative will offer numerous advantages for both property owners and local authorities. Property owners will benefit from a seamless payment experience, including automated reminders and easy online access to payment history.

For the Gaborone City Council, the platform promises improved revenue collection, lower administrative costs, and better financial management. Access Bank Managing Director Sheperd Aisam underscored the importance of this partnership, calling it a milestone in the journey towards digital transformation, innovation, efficiency, and community growth.

"Our collaboration with the Gaborone City Council reflects our shared vision of using technology to drive positive change. We believe that digital solutions can create a more inclusive and prosperous society," Aisam emphasized.

Both Access Bank Botswana and the Gaborone City Council are confident that this initiative will serve as a model for other cities and local authorities in Botswana and beyond, setting a new standard for innovation in public service delivery.