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Vusumuzi Dube, Online News Editor
THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is giving priority to water and road infrastructure rehabilitation in its development agenda with a large chunk of its 2024 budget proposal allocated towards these projects.
The local authority last Monday proposed a standstill US$264 million budget for next year, with the capital budget pegged at US$96 million. The local authority expects to generate US$167 million in revenue.
Presenting the proposed budget, the council’s chairperson of the finance and development committee, Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo said the budget proposal aims to address the city’s ongoing challenges and work towards building a more efficient and sustainable urban environment.
Under the proposed budget, the City of Bulawayo has identified key areas that require immediate attention and allocation of resources. These sectors include water, sanitation and hygiene, roads, governance and administration as well as public safety and security services.
The city’s waste management sector is also set to receive increased funding, in an effort to address the growing concerns regarding littering, illegal dumping, and the need for effective waste disposal systems.
The proposed budget includes plans for modernising waste collection methods, awareness campaigns, and investment in recycling initiatives to promote environmental sustainability.
“Council has set aside US$66,4 million under the water, sanitation and hygiene programme.US$21 million will be spent on capital projects while US$45,9 million will be spent on recurrent expenditure. It is anticipated that income under this programme will amount to US$59,2 million. Significant projects earmarked for 2024 are development of a new refuse disposal cell for US$500 000 at Ngozi Mine. Luveve, Aisleby Entumbane, Pumula outfall sewers will require US$4,65 million. Sewers in new areas will require US$2,4 million,” said Clr Moyo.
To combat water scarcity and ensure residents have access to clean, potable water, a significant portion of the proposed budget has been allocated towards water infrastructure upgrades, maintenance, and water treatment facilities. Additionally, enhancements in sanitation facilities and services are planned to promote public health and hygiene.
The finance committee chairperson said water is expected to contribute US$42 million in income. Sewerage will contribute US$8 million while solid waste management is expected to contribute an income of US$9,3 million.
“Council is planning to harness reclaimed water for use as non-treated water. In order to fully benefit on re-use of reclaimed water council has set aside US$905 000 to improve reclaimed water infrastructure. As part of council’s strategic plan Water Works will require US$3,8 million to improve operational efficiency. To reduce water losses council has set aside a capital expenditure budget of US$3,5 million to be supplemented by recurrent expenditure on maintenance and repairs of US$7,1 million,” he said.
Infrastructure development plays a crucial role in the proposed budget, with a significant portion allocated towards road maintenance and repairs. The aim is to improve connectivity within the city, ensuring smoother traffic flow and safer transportation for residents and visitors alike.
“Council has set aside US$29,5 million under the roads programme.US$23 million will be spent on capital projects while US$6 million will be spent on recurrent expenditure.Council is setting aside US$23 million or 76 percent of the roads budget towards roads infrastructure. Traffic management a component of this programme has a budget of US$431 000 to cover installation of traffic cameras, traffic signs compliant to Sadc protocol,” said Clr Moyo.
The finance committee chairperson also revealed that a significant chunk will also go towards governance and administration, with the local authority looking at using US$10,6 million to acquire vehicles and yellow equipment.
“Council has set aside US$62,8 million under governance and administration. US$20 million will be spent on capital projects while US47,7 million will be spent on recurrent expenditure. It is anticipated that income under this programme will amount to US$72,6 million. The capital budget will address the lifts at Tower Block,improve the ambiance of the Revenue Hall and installing a new airconditioner plant at the Revenue Hall. Recurrent income of US$72,6 million is largely coming from assessment and property taxes,” said Clr Moyo.
He revealed that in line with the national vision, the local authority was embarking on a number of projects to improve governance noting that involvement of the community is critical in delivering services to their satisfaction.
“The major activities planned in 2024 include councillors’ feedback meetings to be held at council halls and schools. There are a number of council policies yet to be rolled out to residents and stakeholders to capture their input. Residents made a call for frequent interaction and meetings. To that end council is working out the modalities of increasing the number of meetings at ward level to discuss civic issues,” said Clr Moyo.
On education, the finance committee chairperson revealed that they will set aside US$4,9 million for education-related capital expenditure which includes construction of new libraries at Mahatshula, Emakhandeni and Cowdray Park, refurbishing Nkulumane Library.
He said two classroom blocks are planned at Ngwalongwalo Primary School and Vulindlela Primary School (funded from Devolution funds), while council intends to construct a new school, Khuzwayo Primary School and build a science laboratory at Sizalendaba Secondary School.
“Under social amenities, council will continue refurbishing Community Halls, youth centres and training centres. Council is proposing to spend US$1 million on flood lights at its stadia and a further US$1 million on Barbourfields stadium to improve security. Provision of health is key to the wellbeing of residents of thecity. US$7.4 million has been set aside in the capital budget to address health issues. This budget includes construction of two new council clinics one in the sprawling Cowdray Park suburb and the other in Emganwini township, the budget will also address the rehabilitation of the crematorium, development of Pumula South and Marvel cemeteries,” said Clr Moyo.
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