Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
KWEKWE City Council has adopted a US$50 million budget for 2026, up from this year’s US$47 million, as the local authority seeks to strengthen service delivery while cushioning residents from economic pressures.
The proposed budget now awaits approval from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
The budget, presented by council finance committee chairperson Councillor Alex Senge during a full council meeting at the Town House, also introduces revised tariffs for 2026, including water rates and fixed charges across residential, commercial and industrial categories.
Presenting the budget statement, Clr Senge said the 2026 financial plan was crafted to address prevailing economic challenges while advancing development in line with Vision 2030.
“As a local authority, we have adopted a US$50 million budget for 2026, which represents an increase from this year’s budget. The focus is to deliver affordable and efficient services while remaining sensitive to the current economic environment,” he said.
Clr Senge, who is expected to lead a delegation to present the budget to Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe for approval, said the plan was designed to be sustainable without overburdening residents.
He said the budget builds on recent institutional reforms, including the implementation of a new valuation roll and the city’s updated Master Plan, which have improved revenue collection efficiency from 60 percent to 63 percent.
The budget is also aligned with the National Development Strategy (NDS) 1 and 2, with a focus on improved service delivery and institutional modernisation.
“As council, we remain committed to supporting senior citizens and creating a business-friendly environment. In the proposed budget, we have prioritised the finalisation of a senior citizens’ policy through door-to-door demographic data collection by the housing department,” said Clr Senge.
He said key benefits proposed for senior citizens include a 70 percent property rebate for residents aged 70 years and above, free medical consultations at all council clinics and zero parking fees for registered vehicles.
In support of the Government’s ease of doing business agenda, council has proposed the review and reduction of certain licence and business-related fees to stimulate economic activity, despite anticipated revenue declines, particularly from bus entry and licensing fees.
Clr Senge said residents raised concerns over water supply, road rehabilitation, refuse collection and the use of prepaid water meters during budget consultation meetings.
“In response to those concerns, council is proposing to reduce interest on unpaid bills from five percent to three percent,” he said.
Major capital projects under the proposed budget include the construction of a four-classroom block at Mbizo 21 Primary School, procurement of a waterworks transformer, and city-wide water valve rehabilitation aimed at improving water supply reliability.
