Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
THE City of Bulawayo has received ministerial approval for its 2026 budget of US$ 220,106,027, which will be implemented in conjunction with the new valuation roll that took effect on 1 January 2026.
The revised budget, reduced from the initially proposed US$224 million to US$220 million following objections from residents, businesses and other stakeholders was approved on 6 February.
In a notice, Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube said “The City of Bulawayo would like to advise residents and stakeholders that the Minister of Local Government and Public Works Hon Daniel Garwe on the 6th of February 2026 approved the City of Bulawayo 2026 budget,” said Mr Dube.
The approved 2026 budget includes revenue budget US$153 025 667 and capital budget of US$67 080 360, added Mr Dube.
The adjustment to the budget underscores how statutory public objections, provided for under the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15), play a crucial role in promoting transparency, accountability and responsiveness in municipal budgeting processes.
In October last year, the local authority unveiled a standstill budget of US$224,7 million for the 2026 financial year, assuring residents that there would be no increases in rates and rentals.
The US$224,7 million proposal was designed to cushion households and businesses from mounting economic pressures, while balancing urgent service delivery requirements.
Under the initial proposal, US$157,5 million was allocated towards recurrent expenditure, while US$67,2 million was set aside for capital projects.
A significant US$70,3 million — nearly a third of the total budget — was earmarked for water and sanitation improvements, reflecting the city’s prioritisation of critical infrastructure.
In line with the law, after presenting the budget, council invited stakeholders to submit objections in accordance with the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15).
Section 219 subsection 3 of the Urban Councils Act Chapter 29:15 (Charges by resolution) stipulates that councils must consider objections before finalising and implementing proposed charges.
According to the local authority, objections centred on concerns that council had failed to implement tariffs approved by the Minister of Local Government in March 2025.
Stakeholders also argued that the cost of water at US$1,43 per kilolitre, negotiated in the presence of ministry officials, was higher than the later-established cost of US$0,80, excluding water losses.
Council indicated that after incorporating the standard 30 percent non-revenue water, the cost should be US$1,04 per kilolitre.
Residents further argued that tariffs across various sectors were excessive and unaffordable given prevailing economic conditions.
The local authority maintainS that the budget formulation process was informed by a positive economic outlook, including expectations of normal rainfall, a stable macro-economic environment, improved electricity supply, continued enhancements in the business climate and moderation in global commodity prices.
The approved budget is aimed at strengthening service delivery, including improving water supplies, rehabilitating sewer infrastructure and intensifying road rehabilitation programmes, among other priority areas aligned to the City’s strategic objectives.
