Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
The Bulawayo City Council is planning to implement a water levy in its 2025 budget as part of its strategy to combat the escalating water shortages faced by the city.
Chairman of the Finance and Development Committee, Mpumelelo Moyo, announced a US$309 million budget that aims to enhance water infrastructure, roads, health, and social services amid ongoing inflation and a prolonged drought. He stated,
“The council has proposed to introduce a water levy to fund the rehabilitation of water infrastructure. The proposal was that it should be US$1 for domestic properties and US$10 for non-domestic properties.”
Moyo further explained that the council is considering the suspension of free water services, emphasizing the need to identify and support the most vulnerable members of the community.
“Continued low rainfall patterns and dwindling water levels at Council’s supply dams have questioned the logic of offering free water during tight water rationing and shedding,” he remarked.
Due to the low water levels in the city’s supply dams, the local authority has instituted a strict 120-hour water shedding schedule. Currently, dam reservoirs are at just 28.58 percent capacity, a significant drop from 50.8 percent during the same period last year. Moyo noted that only 101 million cubic meters of the total water supply is currently usable, a stark decrease compared to the previous year. The city relies on six supply dams—Insiza, Inyankuni, Lower Ncema, Upper Ncema, Umzingwane, and Mtshabezi—all of which are experiencing low levels due to the El Niño-induced drought.
In addition to the water levy, Moyo mentioned plans to introduce a road levy to fund road rehabilitation efforts.
“The proposal was that the fund be ring-fenced and it should be US$1 for domestic properties and US$10 for non-domestic properties,” he said.
He highlighted the urgency of road repairs, noting that over 12 kilometers of the city’s road network have already been addressed this year.
“The poor state of roads has become a point of frustration for residents, as potholed streets and inadequate storm drains continue to affect traffic and safety,” Moyo added.
The local authority has also proposed a capital budget of US$82 million, which makes up 26 percent of the total budget, while the Revenue Budget is set at US$227 million, accounting for 74 percent. Moyo explained,
“Council has set aside US$64 million under this program. US$19 million will be spent on capital projects while US$45 million will be spent on recurrent expenditure.”
Funding for these projects will come from various sources, including External Borrowing, Revenue Contributions to Capital Outlay, ZINARA funding, Devolution funds, public subscriptions, a Traditional Beer levy, and parking fees. Moyo also mentioned that US$6.5 million has been allocated in the 2025 capital budget for the digitalization of council operations.
“The funds will be channeled towards procurement of hardware such as personal computers, laptops, tablets, printers, servers, hardware for prepaid metering, and other peripheral computer-related equipment to enhance Council’s digital interaction with stakeholders,” he explained.
He emphasized that the council is committed to implementing innovative programs to improve residents’ lives and expand the use of e-services and ICT, aligning with the vision of becoming a smart city by Vision 2030. Additionally, Moyo noted plans to implement cybersecurity programs and replace outdated equipment.
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