Gwanda town tariffs remain unchanged

Marvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
GWANDA Town Council has adopted a proposed $14,3 million budget for 2014 with tariffs remaining unchanged. Presenting the 2014 budget before councillors on Friday the chairperson of the Finance and Licensing Committee Councillor Johane Ncube said the budget statement was anchored on the strong belief that all resources and opportunities at council’s disposal should be fully exploited to its benefit.

“The Municipality of Gwanda proposes not to increase most of its charges for community services and high density areas so as to leave the most needy and poor households cushioned from prevailing negative economic effects,” he said.

“Most of the 2013 charges shall therefore be maintained at the current levels which I feel are reasonably low.”
Clr Ncube said most community facilities such as swimming pools were not being fully utilised, resulting in the public not enjoying the full benefit of these.

The council budgeted $6 million for general expenses, $3,6 million employee costs, $4 million capital expenditure and $0,7 million for repairs and maintenance for next year.

A number of projects have been lined up so as to promote the development of the town.
“An example of this shall be the servicing of a significant number of residential stands early next year after the council carefully and diligently selected property developers to carry out this task.

“I believe this will go a long way in alleviating the serious housing backlog, which has accumulated over the years,” said Clr Ncube.
He said the town council also had a desire to diversify the town’s economy away from the traditional agricultural and mining sectors so that rapid growth is achieved and employment created for the local population.

“In this regard, council shall be encouraging investment in other sectors which have hitherto been ignored,” said Clr Ncube.
He said low revenue was generated this year and of the $8,8 million income budgeted for in 2013, less than $1,6 million was received, which resulted in the council limiting some of its programmes.

The council has also set aside $1 million meant for the completion of the five megalitre reservoir on Spitzkop Mountain that is expected to end the perennial water problems faced by most high-lying areas in the town.