By Correspondent
Bulawayo City Council has proposed a US$309 million budget for 2025 centred on improving availability of water.
The proposed Revenue Budget is US$226 999 924, and the proposed capital budget is US$81 692 717.
Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo, who presented the budget, said it will run under the theme “Consolidating Economic Transformation.”
New Ideas
The budget has brought up the introduction of a water levy to fund the rehabilitation of water infrastructure.
Levies will be US$1 for domestic properties and US$10 for non-domestic properties.
Some of the significant changes proposed include suspending free water as a means to enhance revenue.
However, the needy and disadvantaged will continue to receive the subsidised water.
“Persistent low rainfall and dwindling water levels at the council’s supply dams have questioned the logic of offering free water during stringent water rationing and shedding.”
“Proposed activities will significantly contribute to achieving the city’s vision and mission, meeting the needs of our society.
Moyo said feedback from the 2025 budget consultation meetings highlighted need to improve water services.
He said people also called for swift responses to sewer bursts, provision of better roads and enhanced security.
The latter will be done, “through public solar streetlights.
“Some of the issues to be addressed are “offering social amenities and facilities for the youth and restoring order in the city,” said Moyo.
However, there won’t be any changes on rates according to the budget.
“The 2025 budget will maintain the US$ tariffs at last year’s levels.
“Monthly bills will continue to be based on US dollar tariffs but converted to local currency at the time of billing.
