Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
GWANDA Municipality has commenced its 2026 budget consultation process, aimed at gathering input from various stakeholders to shape next year’s financial plan and service delivery priorities.
This year, the local authority has introduced virtual sessions to complement physical meetings, in a bid to broaden participation and accommodate stakeholders unable to attend in person.
Targeted groups include residents from all wards, persons with disabilities, youths, women, the business community, and Government departments.
In an interview, Gwanda Mayor Alderman Thulani Moyo expressed concern over the low turnout during this crucial civic exercise.
“The budget consultation process has been progressing well. Our target is to extensively engage stakeholders, starting with residents from all wards, the business community, people with disabilities, youths, and women.
“This time we have a virtual platform which allows participants to take part in the process online. The turnout, however, is not good and I think it’s because people don’t understand the importance of this process,” he said.
Alderman Moyo emphasised that the consultation process is not about imposing a budget, but rather about reviewing completed and outstanding projects, and ensuring that residents’ priorities are reflected in the 2026 budget.
“This process is crucial as it shapes service delivery and ensures that the council’s plans address the needs of the people,” he said.
He noted that the most prominent issue raised during the consultations was the need to improve water infrastructure, in line with Gwanda’s growing population and development.
Other key priorities from stakeholders include the rehabilitation of roads, the upgrading of recreational facilities, and the enhancement of street lighting.
“After conducting this thorough process, our technical teams will sit down and identify how much we can allocate to these projects. We will then consolidate this information, determine the rates structure, and come up with a balanced and responsive budget,” said Alderman Moyo.
He added that the exercise supports the Presidential Call to Action blueprint, which directs all local authorities to uphold minimum service delivery standards.
