BCC slashes 2025 budget by 83pc

THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has significantly revised its 2025 budget, slashing it by 83 percent from the initially proposed US$309 million to US$53 million, following objections from ratepayers, particularly the business community.

A special budget committee, chaired by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, was set up in December last year to address concerns raised over the initial proposal. Ratepayers had rejected the budget after the council reportedly used an incorrect formula to index 2022 and 2023 tariffs to the United States dollar.

The revised budget now awaits approval from the parent ministry, in line with legal requirements. If endorsed, the 2025 budget will stand at US$52,9 million, a figure that could considerably impact service delivery and staff salaries.

BCC requires about US$30 million for urgent water infrastructure projects, with the rehabilitation of clear water pump stations at Ncema and Fernhill demanding the largest share of US$6,2 million.

Additionally, the council estimates that US$2 million is needed to complete works on Plant 1 and 2 at Aisleby Wastewater Works while US$2,1 million is required to mitigate non-revenue water (NRW) losses, which currently stand at a staggering 46 percent due to derelict pipes, water theft and poor metering systems.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) Matabeleland Chapter representative, Mr Dumisani Sibanda, said the committee initially proposed a seven percent increase from the 2017 budget figure of US$48,1 million.

“The figure was later adjusted to 10 percent after taking into account that council still had some running contracts with some of its service providers,” said Mr Sibanda.

BCC’s corporate communications officer, Ms Bongiwe Ngwenya, directed questions to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.

“Please engage the ministry, which also chairs the Bulawayo Special Budget Committee. They will provide guidance on the final decisions,” she said.

Bulawayo Residents’ Association (Bura) chairperson, Mr Winos Dube, said he was awaiting official feedback from the association’s representatives in the committee.

“Bura had representatives in this committee, but they have not yet reported back to us on the final position. By tomorrow, I might be in a better position to give our official stance,” said Mr Dube.

Ministry of Local Government and Public Works spokesperson, Mr Gabriel Masvora, acknowledged that the committee was still addressing some unresolved issues.

He said there are a few grey areas that the special budget committee is still looking into, and once those are ironed out, further details will be shared.

The Chronicle understands that the committee is set to meet again today in Bulawayo to finalise outstanding matters. The process is now being led by Local Government Services director for Bulawayo, Mrs Fikile Marovatsanga.