Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube | Zim GBC News Editor
The City of Bulawayo has unveiled a proposed US$224.7 million budget for the 2026 financial year, with a significant portion earmarked for capital projects aimed at revamping the city’s aging water, sewer, and road infrastructure.
The budget, which was presented by the Chairman of the Finance and Development Committee, is themed in line with the national budget, “Enhance Drivers of Economic Growth and Transformation towards Vision 2030.”
The proposed expenditure is split into a US$157.5 million revenue budget for operational costs and a US$67.2 million capital budget for new projects. A major focus will be on addressing key concerns raised by residents during citywide consultations.
“This proposed Budget is responding to various issues raised by stakeholders through the consultative process,” the Chairman stated.
“Key issues raised include the need for improvement in water supply hours, properly managing the sanitary landfill, controlling pollution, and the decisive rectification of the proliferation of illegal activities in the city.”
The capital budget will be funded from a mix of sources, including own resources (US$33.2 million), grants and donations (US$20 million), and anticipated devolution funds (US$5 million). The city also plans to continue special levies on water and roads to ring-fence funds for critical infrastructure upgrades.
“To finance roads and social amenities rehabilitation, council needs adequate funding from the rates and taxes account,” the Chairman explained.
“It is proposed that Council continues to charge the special roads levy of US$1 for domestic properties and US$10 for non-domestic properties and the water levy of US$1 for domestic and US$10 for non-domestic properties.”
The budget allocates funds across six key programmes:
· Water, Sanitation & Hygiene: US$70.3 million
· Governance & Administration: US$60.5 million
· Social Services: US$50.7 million
· Roads: US$18.9 million
· Public Safety & Security: US$21.5 million
· Natural Resources Conservation: US$2.8 million
Highlighting the city’s commitment to modernization, the Chairman added,
“Council has introduced a number of innovative programs to improve people’s lives and encourage the usage of e-services and ICT. This is in line with Council’s vision of becoming a smart city and Vision 2030.”
The 2026 budget proposals received overwhelming support, with 98% of the consultative meetings voting in favour.
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