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Ivan Zhakata Herald Correspondent
Harare City Council’s $213 billion 2023 budget has been approved by the Government and so can now be brought into effect.
But Harare City Council is also expected to deliver, and to upgrade its accounting and collection.
In a letter written on his behalf Secretary for Local Government and Public Works Mr Zvinechimwe Churu told acting town clerk Engineer Phakamile Moyo that the budget was approved, but reminded the council to take note of the observations and comments raised during the budget presentation meeting.
The letter was also copied to the Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Harare Metropolitan Province Mr Tafadzwa Muguti.
“We are pleased to inform you that the Minister of Local Government and Public Works July Moyo approved your 2023 budget,” Mr Churu said.
“You are however reminded to take note of the observations and comments raised during the budget presentation meeting, chiefly by-laws.
“While efforts to review and update by-laws are noted, council is urged to speed up the process which is key in council operations. The Ministry is at your disposal to facilitate this process.
“There has been very little traction in the procurement a functional Enterprise Resource Planner, and it is hoped that this matter will be redressed at the earliest convenience to enhance organisational operations.
“It is essential for council to have an up-to-date general valuation roll so as to maximise on revenue collection.”
Mr Churu said council should come up with effective strategies to improve revenue collection to enhance service delivery.
“While various strategies have been proffered over the years, it is noted that these have to date not proved to work, or at least have not realised the expected results,” he said.
“To this end, council is urged to put in place robust revenue collection and debt recovery strategies. Furthermore, kindly ensure that the new tariffs are gazetted as per statutory requirement.”
Harare City Council, in November last year, presented a $213 billion 2023 budget which it said would seek to spearhead sustainable service delivery and restore confidence among ratepayers.
Presenting the budget in council chambers, Harare City Council finance chairperson Councillor Costa Mande said the budget would focus on water, sanitation and hygiene.
Cllr Mande said capital expenditure would be pegged at $41,6 billion while current expenditure would be $171, 7 billion.
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