adminRecently Bulawayo city councillors endorsed a council budget of $188 million for the 2012 budget which will see water, sewerage and refuse removal charges going up.
The budget which is more than this year’s $178 million, was unveiled in October and received criticism from both the residents and the civil organisations.
ABUZ feels that the concerns that were raised by the people were not resolved as was alleged in an article that was published in Chronicle last week.
“The article mentions that the Finance Committee addressed the concerns that were expressed in the 43 objections that the council had received.
“ABUZ maintains that a meeting was held with BCC on the same Wednesday before the full council meeting was held and the contentious issues that we discussed on the budget, were not resolved,” said ABUZ.
They said it was their view that this budget was being hurried for approval when there were sticking points.
“There are still issues that have not been addressed and the rates are not correct in terms of the Urban Council Act.
“ABUZ feels that there is need for more dialogue especially when such issues that affect ratepayers are considered and not a defensive and belligerent approach,” they said.
In next year’s budget, water fixed charges that were previously pegged at $1,15 will rise to $1,21 for high density suburbs and $2,13 for low density suburbs.
Sewer fixed charges moved from $0,48 to $0,50 in high density areas and $0,54 in low density areas.
Solid waste management charge per kilometre rose from $0,10 to $0,45 in both high and low density suburbs.
The lowest property tax for residential properties would be $2,64 and the highest $43,37 per month meant to improve the roads, sewer and water reticulation systems which are in bad state at the moment.
derick.khumalo