By Lovemore Chazingwa
Kadoma’s decision to allocate more than a quarter of its budget towards water may backfire according to an expert.
The authority allocated around US$8 million from its US$28 million budget towards water.
Mayor Nigel Ruzario has since defended the move.
“Council will pursue its quest for continuous improvement on service delivery, making the availability of water our number one priority.
“We’ve set aside US$8 million of the total budget at US$28 million for fresh water supply to the city,” he said.
However, the decision has put in danger other areas which may suffocate from lack of financial support.
A local expert, Eng Tshuma gave insight into implications of such a move.
“Yes, there is a possibility of improvement of water provision if the multiple problems are addressed concurrently.
“However, that will take a long way as the fund management issues will always come into play.
“Other budgets and critical sectors will suffer.
“The issues mentioned need to be addressed simultaneously.
Tshuma added that the move had no guarantees of success as both Claw and Pasi Dams from which the town gets water, have not been upgraded.
“The dams have not been significantly maintained as siltation continues to be a major threat.
“Allocating more than a quarter of the funds for water supply to the town is very significant.
“However, it depends with the amount budgeted for versus the requirement in the revitalization of water supply,” he said.