By Staff Reporter
MASVINGO – The Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe has given thumbs up to Masvingo City Council’s US$35 million budget for 2025, which prioritizes the completion of ongoing projects and allocates 55percent of funds towards water, sanitation, and hygiene projects.
The approval paves way for the city to focus on improving service delivery and sustainable socio-economic development.
Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe confirmed the development and said the approval meant that they would start putting into practice what they proposed in the budget.
“Our US$35.2 million 2025 budget was approved and this marks the beginning of implementation of the developmental projects as well as the new tariffs,” said Tabe
Speaking to TellZim News, Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Association (MURRA) spokesperson Godfrey Mtimba said it was good that the budget was approved and now residents want to see the implementation.
“It’s good that the budget has been approved and we hope that they will implement it fully, residents await for the promised rate cuts and are also eager to see the commencement of major revenue generation capital projects,” said Mtimba.
The 2025 budget, running under the theme “Improving service delivery for sustainable socio-economic development” was targeting the completion of 20 key projects
It prioritizes water, sanitation and hygiene as critical enablers of industrialization and economic development hence it was allocated 54.8percent of the total budgeted expenditure for the 2025 financial year.
The budget also gives priority to ongoing projects to ensure successful completion and these include Mucheke Trunk Sewer (1.2 km) which was allocated US$ 400,000, as well as Bushmead Waterworks Solar Plant with US$5,500,000.
The Water Augmentation (Survey, Designs, servitude acquisition) was allocated US$5,000,000.
On residential stands servicing, Rujeko D residential stands got US$1,050,000 while Morningside low density stands got US$800,000.
Westview Industrial Stands servicing got US$550,000 and Runyararo West Commercial Stands servicing was allocated US$200,000
Other projects include Public Lighting which got US$ 100,000, Chesvingo Swimming Pool US$50,000 and Runyararo Clinic Maternity was allocated US$50,000.
Mucheke Bus Terminus refurbishment got US$50,174 and establishment of a Truck Stop was allocated US$80,000.
Mucheke Stadium Renovation (Phase 1) was allocated US$ 80,000, Infectious Disease Hospital up to slab US$50,000 while Water meters and telemetering equipment was allocated US$260,000.
Cambria Farm Landfill Equipment was allocated US$400,000 and its completion will see the decommissioning of Runyararo West Dumpsite.
The local authority will purchase a grader budgeted for US$150,395, and an excavator meant to be used for the Mucheke Trunk Sewer project was budgeted for US$140,000.
An ambulance was budgeted for US$60,000 while water and sewer pumping equipment were allocated US$165,000.
The 2025 budget was prepared in United States Dollars, consistent with the policy direction proffered by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development that the multicurrency system shall remain in place until 2025.
Payment for council services will also be acceptable at the prevailing rates in line with national legislation and policy.
