Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke-Municipal Correspondent
HARARE City Council will prioritise the construction and rehabilitation of schools, roads and clinics, while addressing water, sanitation and hygiene challenges, under its proposed 2027 budget.
Finance and Development Committee chairperson Councillor Jubilation Shoko said this during the City of Harare’s 2027 pre-budget consultative meeting on Saturday.
“Council must prioritise the construction of schools, roads and clinics, as well as improvements to roads and other public services,” he said.
“We also want to address water, sanitation and hygiene issues in the upcoming budget because these are fundamental services that affect the daily lives of residents.”
Clr Shoko said residents’ submissions would inform the final budget.
“We are listening to the people. We will take their submissions on board as we formulate the budget,” he said.
“We cannot do everything at once, but we have to identify the most critical areas and ensure that available resources are directed towards those priorities.”
The annual consultations allow residents to make submissions, which are considered when council formulates its budget for the following year. Residents, however, urged council to ensure that budget commitments translate into tangible improvements.
Mr John Katiyo said roads should be prioritised, particularly in high-density suburbs. “We have been talking about the state of our roads for years, but the situation continues to deteriorate. We need a budget that does not only look good on paper. Residents want to see roads being repaired and maintained,” he said.
Ms Esnarth Bonde said water and sanitation should receive greater attention.
“Water is not a luxury. It is a basic service. Council must allocate more resources to water infrastructure, sewer systems and refuse collection,” she said.
Ms Bonde also called for greater accountability in the use of council revenue.
“If residents are paying rates and other charges, they should be able to see where that money is going,” she said.
Another resident, Mr Raymond Kananji said council should also rehabilitate existing schools and clinics instead of focusing solely on new construction. “Building new schools and clinics is important, but council must also maintain the facilities that already exist. Some require basic infrastructure such as water, toilets, electricity and access roads,” he said.
