adminThupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Beitbridge Rural District Council has announced a US$2,5 million annual budget for 2014 which will see some rates being reduced by 25 percent. The budget will result in 46 percent (US$1 174 788) of the money being spent on capital projects, while a further 59 percent (US$1 383 668) will be chewed by recurrent expenditure.
Council chief executive officer Mr Albert Mbedzi said in an interview last week that staff salaries would constitute 31 percent of the total expenditure.
He said the budget had been sent to Local Government, Public Works and National Housing Minister Ignatius Chombo for approval. Mr Mbedzi said they had not increased rates and tariffs in the 2014 budget due to the insignificant and low levels of inflation.
“The total budgeted expenditure for the year 2014 is US$2 573 320, while the total expenditure is US$2 558 456, giving us a surplus of US$14 864,” said Mr Mbedzi.
“We expect to spend US$1,1 million towards servicing 400 stands at Lutumba Business Centre, repairs and building of schools, clinics, cattle sales pens, roads and bridges, purchases of vehicles, water reticulation, borehole drilling and rehabilitation and furniture and equipment.”
Mr Mbedzi said local revenue was expected mainly from unit tax from farms, levies, fees and rates.
“In coming out with the 2014 annual budget, we had wide consultations with stakeholders at our main council offices and in all the 15 wards,” he said.
“We are guided by our five-year strategic plan which then influences our resource allocation. As part of our pronounced endeavour to transform Beitbridge rural district council into a development district, it remains council’s unwavering commitment to this development with the ultimate mission to spread rural development and also create an enabling environment to enhance economic development and social well being.”
Mr Mbedzi said in coming up with the budget, the council gave priority to carrying forward the 2013 unfinished projects. New projects, he said, were included after wide consultation with the local leadership and other stakeholders from all wards.
Online Reporter