Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Residents of Ward 20 in Bulawayo are demanding greater accountability from the Bulawayo City Council regarding the management of proposed special water and road levies.
The council’s 2025 budget proposes introducing a special roads levy and a special water levy, with domestic properties paying US$1 per month for each levy and commercial properties paying US$10 per month.
Concerns Over Transparency and Accountability
Residents expressed concerns over the council’s ability to safeguard funds. Junior Sibanda noted,
“You are talking about ring-fencing, but the problem is not there… what is missing in the council is discipline.”
Soneni Moyo requested more transparency on the exact amount required for water and road projects, while Msaka urged the council to provide clear pricing for equipment.
Council’s Response
BCC representative Mr. Ngwenya refuted claims of mismanagement, stating,
“Devolution money is ring-fenced, no matter how broke we are, we don’t take that money.”
He explained that residents will pay the special levies until the projects are completed. Chief Fire Officer Mhlangano Moyo added that the levies will also fund replacing outdated water meters.
Key Points
- Proposed Levies: US$1/month for domestic properties, US$10/month for commercial properties
- Funding Goals: Raise US$2.22 million per project for water and road infrastructure
- Ring-Fencing: Funds will be dedicated to specific projects
- Transparency: Residents request clear pricing and budget breakdowns
- Council’s Assurance: Funds will be used appropriately, with a focus on long-term solutions,
The council requires US$1.5 million to maintain current road infrastructure, and the levies are seen as a small but essential contribution to the overall budget.
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