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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Plumtree Correspondent
BULILIMA Rural District Council has collected 20 percent of this year’s projected budget of $2,5 million, a situation that has compromised service delivery in the area.
In a report that was presented on his behalf by the council administration officer, Mr Bongani Ngwenya at a full council meeting held recently, Bulilima Rural District Council chief executive officer Mr John Brown Ncube said as at 30 September, the local authority had collected $528 116 from a projected collection of $1,9 million.
“As at 30 September we had collected $528 116,98 which translates to 20 percent of our yearly budget of $2 568 039. By this time we were supposed to have collected $1 926 029 of the annual budget.
“Bills continue to accumulate as council is failing to pay monthly bills as a result of poor cash inflows. This has impacted negatively on service delivery but we have managed to make significant progress in implementing community projects,’’ said Mr Ncube.
He said council debtors owe $1 933 196 while creditors are owed $965 128.
He said from January to 30 September, the local authority received $95 180 from Zinara from road maintenance works. Mr Ncube said they had also received $3 360 from Unicef which was used for water and sanitation programmes.
He said the local authority was also in the process of constructing a bridge in Nyele Ward.
Speaking on the performance of the third quarter budget, Mr Ncube said from the period July to September council had collected $222 195 out of an expected quarterly budget of $642 009.
“During the period July to September 169 latrines were constructed, 35 water points repaired and 14 547 people sensitised on self-sponsored latrines construction using funds that we got from Unicef. We are expecting $5 000 for more water and sanitation programmes.
“As a result of poor cash inflows councillor’s allowances for the past 10 months to September are still outstanding totaling to $36 815. Workers’ salaries for the past eight months are also outstanding amounting to $131 930 net salaries,’’ he said.
Mr Ncube said during the period July to September reports of elephant invasions were recorded in Bambadzi, Madlambudzi and Makhulela wards.
“Efforts are underway to engage debtors so that they clear arrears due to council. Teams will be deployed to wards for revenue collection and reminders will be issued to all debtors,’’ he said.
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