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Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
HARARE City Council has presented a US$548,2 million budget for next year, prioritising service delivery and sustainable development.
The budget, themed “Enhancing Service Delivery: Building a Sustainable Green Future Together”, aims to improve service delivery by focusing on enhancing the quality, accessibility and responsiveness of municipal services, particularly in water, sanitation, roads, public safety, social services and environmental conservation.
It also aims to build a sustainable green future by adopting a holistic approach to development, balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social equity.
This includes resource efficiency, waste reduction, green infrastructure, climate change adaptation and renewable energy.
Of the total budget, US$137,3 million will be allocated to capital expenditure, while US$410,8 million will be used for recurrent expenses.
Finance and Development Committee chairperson, councillor Costa Mande who presented the budget on behalf of the Mayor Jacob Mafume emphasised the council’s constitutional and statutory obligations to provide essential services.
Cllr Mande said the budget was critical in ensuring the city’s financial sustainability and its ability to deliver on its promises to residents.
“Section 47 of the Public Finance Management Act [Chapter 22.19] requires that council submits to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, a budget of estimated revenue and expenditure for the 2025 financial year and the related annual strategic plan for approval,” he said.
“The budget shall be submitted to the Minister through the Accounting Officer, who makes recommendations to the Minister with regards to the approval or amendment of the budget. In line with this Act of Parliament, the 2025 budget neither has an accumulated surplus nor a deficit.
“Furthermore, Section 288 of the Urban Councils Act (Chapter 29:15) supports the constitutional provision by demanding that each year, every committee shall prepare detailed estimates of the income and expenditure on revenue and capital accounts of that committee for the ensuing financial year; and submit the estimates to the Finance and Development Committee.”
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