By Correspondent
Bulawayo City Council’s revised 2025 budget of US$53 million is yet to be approved even after changes from the initial US$309 million.
Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe revealed early this month that over 90% of other Council budgets have been approved already.
The new Bulawayo budget is a 17% increase from the 2017 budget which was ultimately used as a baseline.
In addition to being rejected by residents, the initial US$309 million budget was found to be at fault in relation to the income/salary ratio.
Government regulations dictate that not more than 30% of the Council’s income should go towards salaries.
Changes to Budget
Changes to the budget were necessitated by pressure brought about by the business community.
The sector argued that the Local Authority had used an incorrect formula to index tariffs for 2022 and 2023 in US dollars.
As a result, the calculations for both the 2024 and 2025 budgets were deemed incorrect.
This resulted in exorbitant charges for both residents and the business community.
A special budget committee was then established in December 2024 to re-look at the budget.
It has brought about these latest changes.
Residents Views
Bulawayo residents have accused the authority of failing to effectively use the money it gets.
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) said they was no need for the initial increments.
“It is BPRA’s position that the Bulawayo City Council must not increase the financial burden on the residents who are already struggling amidst the economic crisis.
It said the state of service delivery in Bulawayo has been constantly declining.
“The Council is failing to provide basic services such as water.
“(All this) while residents are expected to continue paying hefty amounts for the same services.
Among notable changes under the new budget is the suspension of free water.
Only the needy and disadvantaged will be identified and continue to be subsidized.
Council Chairman of the Finance and Development Committee, Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo said then move was justified.
“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.
