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Walter Mswazie, Masvingo Correspondent
MASVINGO residents will not fork out more in rates next year after the city council adopted a $27 million standstill budget for 2017.
Council’s finance and development committee chairman Councillor Babylon Beta said the local authority consulted residents on next year’s budget in all 10 wards.
During the consultations it was realised that most residents were struggling to pay bills and the local authority considered the plight of residents and proposed a zero percent increase from the 2016 budget.
“We have proposed as city fathers that our residents should be spared from paying extra money above what they are paying now in the 2016 budget. We have carried forward the $27 million from 2016 budget to 2017. There won’t be any tariff increase,” said Clr Beta of Ward 6.
He said the local authority dispatched teams to all 10 wards to solicit views on the 2017 proposed budget.
“During budget consultations which ended last week it was realised that residents were failing to pay the present water rates with others facing huge outstanding debts. This informed us that we cannot increase tariffs,” Clr Beta said.
Masvingo Residents and Ratepayers spokesperson Mr Godfrey Mutimba hailed the decision taken by council not to increase tariffs.
“We salute our city fathers for appreciating the residents’ plight. The decision not to increase the budget is commendable. Residents have little or no disposable income. They are even failing to pay the present water tariffs,” said Mr Mutimba.
Bulawayo City Council has also decided to maintain a standstill budget of $158 million for 2017 to ease pressure on ratepayers.
– @walterbmswazie2.
Online Reporter