Chinhoyi proposes $21m budget

Walter Nyamukondiwa Chinhoyi Bureau
Chinhoyi Municipality has proposed a $21,1 million budget underpinned by cost containment measures, while geared to improve service delivery. This comes against the backdrop of poor performance in the 2017 budget where revenue of $12,2 million is projected against a budget of $20,8 million.

At least $6,5 million has been earmarked for capital expenditure, where residents have been complaining of erratic water supplies and poor roads in some areas. Chairperson of the finance and human resources committee Mr Ignatius Zvigadza said water augmentation and improvement of sewerage services were priority areas for 2018.

“Your Worship, as you are aware that water supply to households is the number one priority raised during consultative meetings, a total of $3,04 million has been allocated to water and sewer programmes, which need to be implemented to increase water supply,” said Mr Zvigadza.

He said the allocation by council was expected to complement water augmentation works being undertaken in partnership with Southern Region Trading, which aims to increase water supply to 40 mega-litres from the current 16 mega-litres. At least $22 million is needed for the full implementation of the programme. A property survey has been completed to establish the number of houses in the town before a roll-out of prepaid water meters. Mr Zvigadza said the 2018 budget sought to counter the factors that led to the poor performance of its predecessor.

Among other things, it also seeks to reduce council’s indebtedness, which currently stands at around $18 million. Conversely, the budget aims to reduce debtors who owe council over $36 million. A number of strategies to improve revenue inflows have been implemented, including payment plans, metering, advertising and handing over of debtors to debt collectors.

This has seen revenue improving from an average of around $440 000 to $500 000 per month. To improve management of water, council is set to install about 3 000 conventional meters. Some of the meters were damaged or are not working, thereby prejudicing council of revenue.