Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo, [email protected]
THE Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has approved Gokwe Town Council’s (GTC) 2026 budget of ZIG275 million — down from last year’s ZIG283 million — but with strict conditions designed to control expenditure and strengthen accountability.
Acting Gokwe Town Council secretary, Mr Alexander Nyandoro, confirmed the development in an interview.
“Yes, I can confirm that our 2026 budget of ZIG 275 million has been approved with conditions. This year’s budget is down from ZIG 283 million we budgeted last year,” he said.
In a letter to the council, the ministry cited Section 47(1) of the Public Finance Management Act, 22:19, advising that no salary increases or additional employment costs should be incurred in 2026 without ministerial approval. The ministry further instructed the council to complete all outstanding audits and submit monthly progress reports.
Mr Nyandoro said the 2026 budget will prioritise service delivery while easing financial pressures on residents and businesses, in line with Government directives.
“Our 2025 budget performance was 40 percent and that is why we reduced it emphasizing on pro-people projects that improve service delivery,” he said. “Our budget includes a 10 percent reduction in assessment rates and caps licenses at $500 to support ease of doing business.”
He added that the council intends to embark on several capital projects to improve service delivery in line with Vision 2030.
“So, this financial year we are looking at road gravelling, construction of storm water drains, purchasing of a skip bin trailer, skip bins X 3 and a rank pay toilet,” he said.
Mr Nyandoro said council teams will also carry out construction works at Mapfungautsi Secondary School and Vision Kunashe School.
“The budget also calls for 100 desks and 100 chairs for new classroom block, title survey for some layout plans as to empower residents to have title deeds and toilet rehabilitation at Craft and Chimusoro areas,” he said.
He noted that the 2026 financial plan comes as pressure mounts on the council to enhance basic services while adhering to strict fiscal discipline, with ministry oversight to remain in place throughout the year.
“Some of the projects we want to embark on include construction of market sheds, community hall, nutritional gardens and construction of clinic staff houses among others,” he said.
Mr Nyandoro said the budget also prioritises water reticulation, with provision for seven solar-powered boreholes at sites including the Community Hall, Mapfungautsi Poly Clinic and Town House.
