adminTanaka Mahanya
HARARE Mayor, Jacob Mafume, says the capital’s infrastructure has a backlog of over 20 years.
He said it’s an area that urgently needs investment and the participation of the private sector.
The mayor was speaking at a Council Budget interface meeting.
He said there was need for re-engagement of development partners.
He pleaded with the private sector to come up with strategies for developing financing options for the growth of the capital.
“Our infrastructure has a backlog of over 20 years and this area is an investment opportunity,” he said.
“We are meeting only a portion of infrastructure financing needs, resulting in reduced service levels for citizens.
“The current budgeting system does not appear to produce capital budgets that reflect actual investment needs or capacity to deliver investments at the local level, hence the need for the stakeholders to chip in.”
Mafume said the City could not depend on ratepayers’ money for infrastructural development.
“The private sector needs to invest in this City.
“We cannot depend on the rates to account for infrastructure development.
“Going forward, budget interventions will continue to scale up implementation of programmes targeting water infrastructure, road rehabilitation and the capacitation of efficient waste management,” he said.
He said they believe if they improve service delivery, they will restore customer confidence and they can pay willingly.
“We are also exploring the municipal bonds route to finance capital expenditure, particularly for the water, sanitisation, hygiene and road programmes,” he said.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter