Rural councils are now charging babies a head tax, breaking already struggling families. Authorities swapped a flat household fee for a per-person levy, hitting every citizen, even newborns. Families with ten members face bills over twenty bucks, a huge sum where cash is scarce. Village heads aggressively collect, sometimes pocketing a cut, using threats to squeeze payments.
Those refusing get warned about losing food aid or farming supplies. A local chief in Chikomba called the practice exploitative and halted collections in his area. He pointed out that the elderly often care for grandkids without support. The harsh climate has made farming unreliable, wiping out incomes.
Councils defend the move, citing the Rural District Councils Act. They claim the per-capita system is legal and directed by policy. The law distinguishes between land levies and general development fees. Residents see zero improvement from the collected money, however. They argue it only deepens poverty without fixing roads or schools. The standoff highlights a brutal gap between policy and survival.
Those refusing get warned about losing food aid or farming supplies. A local chief in Chikomba called the practice exploitative and halted collections in his area. He pointed out that the elderly often care for grandkids without support. The harsh climate has made farming unreliable, wiping out incomes.
Councils defend the move, citing the Rural District Councils Act. They claim the per-capita system is legal and directed by policy. The law distinguishes between land levies and general development fees. Residents see zero improvement from the collected money, however. They argue it only deepens poverty without fixing roads or schools. The standoff highlights a brutal gap between policy and survival.
