Chronicle Editor
Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
GOVERNMENT has ordered the Victoria Falls City Council to explain why it wants to review downwards its 2021 budget that had already been approved.
The local authourity submitted its budget proposal increasing water and services charges by about 400 percent and it was approved.
This attracted a backlash from residents who argued that rates were too high as they have been affected by Covid-19.
Due to pressure from residents, council adopted a resolution to review some tariffs downwards and wrote to the Local Government and Public Works Ministry seeking permission to reduce the budget.
Local Government Minister July Moyo has since asked council to justify why an approved budget should be reviewed, council Chamber Secretary Ms Kholwani Mangena told a full council meeting on Tuesday.
The Minister will also visit Victoria Falls on a date to be advised to address the budget issue which has divided the city.
Residents have said they are getting impatient with the council’s delay in reviewing downwards its 2021 budget amid reports many are failing to pay water bills that skyrocketed to about $9 000 per month.
Ms Mangena said Minister Moyo responded to the council request seeking justification for the need to reduce tariffs on an approved budget.
Online Reporter
Londile Moyo