Byo comes up with US$264 million 2024 budget

Bulawayo (New Ziana) – The Bulawayo City Council has proposed a US$264 million budget for 2024, with improved service delivery as its top priority.

Presenting the budget to council, finance and economic development committee chairperson, Mpumelelo Moyo
said the 2024 budget will maintain the US$ tariff regime, but also gave stakeholders the choice to settle their bills in other currencies.

“The monthly bills will continue to be indexed on US$ dollar tariffs but stakeholders will have a choice to settle bills in currencies of choice,” he said.

The US dollar will remain an integral part of Zimbabwe’s payment system until 2030 after government extended the tenure of the multi-currency regime beyond the initially planned cut off period of 2025.

“Payment of bills will continue to be in all currencies tradable in our country. This budget sets the tone for the City of Bulawayo’s aspirations for the forthcoming 12 months guided by council’s vision, the national vision and National Development Strategy (NDS1),” said Moyo.

He said during the consultation process with stakeholders, concerns were raised over lack of effective service delivery.

The 2024 budget is set at US$264 064 416, which is a slight increase from the 2023 budget of US$244 056 873.

Under governance and administration, Moyo said the council has set aside US$62,828,532 to fund various projects.

“US$20 million will be spent on capital projects, while US47.7 million will be spent on recurrent expenditure. It is anticipated that income under this program will amount to US$72.6 million,” he said.

“US$10.6 million will be spent on acquiring vehicles and yellow equipment. The capital budget will address the lifts at Tower Block, improve the ambiance of the Revenue Hall and installing a new air conditioner plant at the Revenue Hall. Recurrent income of US$72.6 million is largely coming from Assessment and property taxes.”

Some of the significant projects earmarked in 2024 are the development of a new refuse disposal cell for US$500,000 at Ngozi Mine. Luveve, Aisleby Entumbane, Pumula outfall sewers will require US$4,65 million, while sewer lines in new areas will require US$2.4 million.

“Council is planning to harness reclaimed water for use as non-treated water. In order to fully benefit on re-use of reclaimed water, the council has set aside US$905,000 to improve reclaimed water infrastructure. As part of the council’s strategic plan, water works will require US$3.8 million to improve operational efficiency. To reduce water losses, the council has set aside a capital expenditure budget of US$3.5 million to be supplemented by recurrent expenditure on maintenance and repairs of US$7.1 million,” said Moyo.

“Water is expected to contribute US$42 million in income. Sewerage will contribute US$8 million and solid waste management will contribute an income of US$9.3 million.”

Under roads, the council has budgeted US$29,544,894, of which US$23 million will be spent on capital projects while US$6 million will be spent on recurrent expenditure.

“Emergency services has been allocated a capital budget US$76,000 for procurement of first responder life-saving equipment. Security services have been allocated US$23,000 to purchase firearms.

“Public lighting has been allocated US$1.9 million to be used in installing solar street lights, 400 tower lights and traffic lights,” said Moyo.

He encouraged residents and stakeholders to pay their dues in order for the council to realise the targets set in its budget.

“Council is expected to deliver services in line with the residents and stakeholders expectations. However, it is expected that the economy will be stable in order to realise the goals and outcomes,”
said Moyo.

New Ziana