Staff Reporter
Marondera residents and stakeholders have unanimously agreed to a 10 percent hike in the 2024 council budget.
The local authority held its budget consultations two weeks ago where stakeholders gave council the nod on hiking the budget.
In a statement Marondera mayor Abel Nyakarombo confirmed the move.
Nyakarombo said the budget contributions will go a long way in ensuring the expansion of the town.
“Let me express my appreciation of your unwavering support during budget consultative meetings where you exhibited your desire to see a robust transformation of Marondera Town.
“You made very important and positive contributions which is evidence of your quest for a habitable Marondera.
The budget has since been submitted to the Ministry of Local Government for approval.
“Allow me our residents, to thank you for your unanimous agreement on the 10.8 percent budget increment.
“True to it, our council technical team together with you, our valuable residents, agreed on this increase in budget because of various reasons,chief among them inflation,” said Nyakarombo.
He added that the 2024 budget will focusing on upgrading the water and sewer reticulation system, rehabilitation of streets lights and refurbishment of roads among others.
However, Marondera Urban Bussiness Forum ( MUBF) Chairperson Emmanuel Danha accused council of imposing the budget on rate payers.
“We did not agree to the hike, council is imposing the budget on the ratepayers.
“What justifies the increase?
“We are against the 10 percent hike as ratepayers are also being affected by inflation,” he said.