By Correspondent
Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is going ahead with this year’s Bulawayo Arts Festival (BAF) despite public outcry over the budget.
The Council has instead clarified that the actual budget is US$30 000 and not US$300 000 as alleged before.
The latter figure actually covers all the festivals planned by Council this year.
In a statement BCC Corporate Communications Manager, Nesisa Mpofu clarified the issue.
“The Bulawayo Arts Festival is budgeted for in the City of Bulawayo 2024 Budget under the Festivals and Recreational Activities line item.”
“(These) caters for various activities which also include the Youth Festival, youth training programmes and, participation at exhibitions.
She said the budget for the 2024 festivals includes the cost of venues as Council’s contribution and cross charges across various Municipal Departments.
However, some residents have still expressed disappointment as they complain about huge bills.
Sifiso Ngwenya from Pelandaba said Council should priorities basic issues and not waste money.
“We are struggling to pay our bills and what little money they get should be used for service delivery.
“This abuse of funds leads to more pressure on them which cascades down to us,” he said.
Water Woes
The local authority has reportedly disconnected water supplies to more than 2 000 properties in the city.
BCC has also initiated legal proceedings against 650 households to recover more than US$4,5 million owed by residents and ratepayers.
However, residents have been complaining about huge water bills after the local authority imposed rolling water cuts to save the city from serious shortages.
Another resident, Mthokozisi Sithole told a local daily that most households have been overwhelmed by exorbitant council water bills.
“We do not understand why water bills come in figures that are too high yet we do not have water for long periods and in some cases two weeks,” he said.
However, BCC Communications Manager Mpofu has defended the holding of the festivals.
She said the event fosters economic growth, promots cultural identity and nurtures talent in the community.
