By Correspondent
Bulawayo residents have decried the proposed 2025 budget arguing that it has exorbitant rates for them.
Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) says it’s a lie that Council is continuing with rates from 2024.
“Although BCC states that the 2025 proposed budget is a standstill, it proposed special water levy and a special roads levy.
“(These) will see all the residents paying an additional of a $1 for each of these levies.
“Business are set to pay a total of $10 for each of these Levites.
“This all means the rates are set to increase for all the residents of Bulawayo.
“Thus to say this is a standstill budget is a mere financial term which is not the actual reality.
To compound the situation, Council has also proposed to stop free water which was given to the residents.
It says the measure is aimed at controlling water consumption amidst the water crisis in the City .
“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.
BPRA 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.
