adminMichael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
Government has approved Zibagwe Rural District Council’s budget of $2,3 million, which aims at improving health delivery as well as water and sanitation in the district.
The budget is up from the 2018 budget of $2,1 million which was characterised by a 11 percent overall budget performance.
Addressing a full council meeting recently, Zibagwe RDC chief executive officer Mr Farayi Machaya said the budget was approved with minor alterations.
“I am pleased to announce to the house that our 2019 budget has been approved by Government. Council was, however, advised to address issues to do with abiding by statutory obligations and salaries arrears as well as to intensify revenue collection as well as reduction of debt,” said Mr Machaya.
He said the budget will focus more on improving the health delivery system, education as well as improving infrastructure in general.
He, however, decried some big companies in the district which he said were refusing to pay their dues citing different reasons.
“Of late we have had problems with two of our biggest debtors — Jena Mine and Africa Chrome Fields (ACF) Mine — who are not paying anything to council. We have engaged Jena Mine who owe council $517 000 and we await their proposal for the settlement of debts. On the other hand, ACF Mine owes us $297 625 and are reluctant to cooperate,” said Mr Machaya.
The matter between Zibagwe and ACF Mine has since been taken to court with a pretrial conference set for April 29.
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