Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
ZIBAGWE Rural District Council has approved a ZWG337 million budget for 2026, up from this year’s ZWG200 million, with the bulk of the funds set to be channelled towards upgrading operational assets, enhancing water, sanitation and hygiene (Wash) facilities and rehabilitating key road networks.
The rural authority, which covers areas including Zhombe, Silobela and parts of Kwekwe’s mining belt, says the 2026 financial plan is anchored on strengthening service delivery and supporting rural industrialisation in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), transitioning into NDS2, which emphasises improved infrastructure, inclusive growth and ease of doing business.
The budget was presented during a recent full council meeting by the chairperson of the ZRDC finance committee, Councillor Tichafa Chitate.
“As a local authority, we have adopted a ZWG337 million budget for the 2026 financial year, up from ZWG200 million.
“The proposed 2026 budget will also result in the lowering of tariffs in line with a Government directive,” he said.
Clr Chitate said the council is reviewing a range of fees, levies and permits, to create a conducive investment environment in response to a Cabinet directive aimed at improving the ease of doing business in rural districts.
“As a result, several tariffs have been significantly reduced for the year 2026. For instance, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) fees have decreased from US$100 to US$20, while financial services will see their licence fees drop from US$800 to US$20,” he said.
Clr Chitate added that lodge operators will now pay a maximum annual fee of US$1,500 while service stations will have their annual licence fees reduced from US$2,000 to US$500.
Liquor licences will fall from US$160 to US$100. Cllr Chitate emphasised that no general tariff increases are planned for 2026, except for development levies prescribed under the Rural District Councils Act.
Households will be charged per capita at US$2 as per the dictates of the Act. Under the 2026 budget, the council will channel significant resources towards education, health and public infrastructure improvements.
Major projects include the construction of Mutete Primary School in Ward 22 (Silobela), the construction of Swartlarge Secondary School in Ward 3 and an additional classroom block at Bonstead Secondary School in Ward 31
Under health, housing and social amenities, Zibagwe RDC has proposed a ZWG13 million allocation for the development of health facilities across the district.
The council says strengthening social infrastructure is essential for rural communities, especially in areas where development has lagged behind due to limited funding and the adverse effects of artisanal mining activities and poor road access.
Zibagwe RDC says the 2026 budget is structured to balance investor-friendly reforms with developmental needs.
The local authority believes reducing licence fees will boost compliance, attract new businesses, including miners, transporters, and small tourism players, and stimulate economic activity in line with the Government’s rural development agenda.
Londile Moyo