By Ndinatsei Mavodza
Masvingo City fathers have approved the council’s proposed budget of US$31, 941 996 for 2026 financial year. The budget prioritizes completion of pending projects and considers new high impact projects as well.
Finance Committee Chairperson and ward 9 councilor Benard Muchokwa confirmed the approval of the budget at council recently.
“The projected revenue for the 2026 financial year is US$31, 941 996 composed of US$23, 373 588 (73percent) internal revenue and US$8, 568, 408 (27percent) external funding. The budget is a zero surplus budget,” said Muchokwa.
Of the projected US$31 million, the biggest chunk is allocated towards water and sanitation which has 39 percent and social services which has 27 percent.
“This budget was prepared using the programme-based budgeting approach and the programme allocations directly reflect the priorities of council.
“Governance and administration has 22 percent, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, 39 percent, social services, 27 percent, Roads seven percent and Public safety and Security Services five percent,” said Muchokwa.
The major highlights of the 2026 budget include establishment of Runyararo Secondary School which takes US$100 000 and ward retention funds which has US$50 000.
The local authority is also proposing to have an alternative power supply and has budgeted US$5, 500 000 for a solar plant.
According to the local authority electricity is one of the major expenses churning about 25 percent of the council’s revenue.
