Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT is yet to approve Zibagwe Rural District Council’s proposed budget of ZWG200 million for 2025, which has implications for delayed implementation of development programmes for the year, the local authority has said.
Speaking during a recent full council meeting, Zibagwe RDC chief executive officer, Mr Farayi Machaya, said they had hoped that the budget would be approved early after they submitted and defended it on time.
He said the council has adhered to the requirements set by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
“Our budget is still to be approved by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works. But we are confident it will be approved soon,” said Mr Machaya.
He said the budget’s financial structure includes 60 percent sourced from local revenue and 40 percent from Government grants.
According to the council, a significant portion of the budget will be allocated towards operational assets, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, as well as road infrastructure improvements.
Mr Machaya said the council is committed to prioritising service delivery in alignment with the National Development Strategy (NDS) targets.
“As we approach the final year of NDS1, our focus on service delivery remains paramount. We are dedicated to fostering growth and development consistent with the framework set forth by President Mnangagwa under the initiative titled: ‘A Call to Action: No Compromise on Service Delivery’,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Machaya said they were targeting to drill 40 boreholes across 33 Wards this year.
He said the local authority is working towards purchasing a drill rig to carry the work.
“We have targeted to drill 40 boreholes in 2025 and a request has been sent for the release of funds to clear the outstanding balance of payment for the new drill rig, “ he said.
Mr Machaya said three boreholes were drilled in Ward 22, at Gothic and Ziko Villages as well as at Wozoli Clinic’s new site.
“Rains experienced so far in the 2024/25 season are promising and we hope underground recharge will improve water supply in our rural communities,” he said.
Mr Machaya said plans are afoot to rehabilitate dysfunctional boreholes to improve the supply of clean and safe water.
“In an effort to improve our borehole functionality rate, we have ordered some borehole spares namely leather cups, cylinders, pipes, and rods for borehole maintenance. More spares will be ordered as we mobilise more funds during the year.
“Meanwhile, we have provided fuel for the borehole maintenance team to work in Ward 5,” he said.
