Gokwe approves $4.4 billion budget

Gokwe (New Ziana) – The Gokwe Town Council has approved a $4.4 billion budget for 2023, which municipal authorities said will focus on social infrastructure development and service delivery.

The town, one of the fastest growing in the country, wants to accelerate development of various social infrastructure such as roads, water provision, and education and health facilities.

In addition, it also wants to improve service delivery of all kinds as it accelerates plans to become a smart city in line with national vision 2030.

The budget is an increase from last year’s $1.1 billion, and the town has secured central government’s nod.

Presenting the budget, town council finance committee chairman, Darlington Mudondo said there was wide stakeholder engagement in its crafting, and planned expenditure aims.

He said about half of the budget, amounting to $2.1 billion, will be used to finance social infrastructure developments, including schools, health facilities, roads and provision of clean water.

“The major target for 2023 is to provide social services infrastructure for the better livelihood of our stakeholders and residents. This is evidenced by the allocation of more funding to capital projects mainly roads, education, health and other amenities,” he said.

Mudondo said council expected over 125.7 million from the Zimbabwe National Roads Authority, which will be earmarked for road construction and upgrading in the town, and $849.8 million in devolution funding from central government.

Much of the devolution funding, on the other hand, has been earmarked for development of health, education and related social infrastructure.

New Ziana