Kwekwe makes 2020 budget adjustments

Kwekwe (The Times-New Ziana) -Kwekwe City Council has made a number of adjustments to its 2020 budget in response to the inflationary environment and concerns from residents.

The local authority unveiled a $471 million budget which is set to be implemented in March this year, if approved by the Local Government Ministry.

Council director of finance Rejoice Mawere said sections adjusted included street lighting, water treatment, sewer reticulation, roads, employment costs and statutory obligations.

The city initially budgeted $3,6 million for street lights but increased it to $10,1 million.

“In order to maintain high quality water, there is need to adequately budget for water treatment chemicals and this was initially budgeted at $51 million and increased to $65 million,” she said.

“Repairs budget was at $125 833 per month but has been increased to over $3 million. ZESA bills are being increased every two months and the November $2,9 million for water treatment plant only has seen the electricity budget being increased to $54 million. Electric motors initially budgeted at $400 000 now cost $1,2 million,” she added.

Due to the poor state of roads, rehabilitation of roads has a number of funds in place that include ZINARA’s $2,3 million, council’s $2,5 million and town terminus’ storm water drain clearing at $10 million.

Mawere said the inflationary environment had eroded wages and income for employees, and there was need to prioritise cushioning employees by increasing employment costs.

Residents consulted during ward consultative meetings complained over the poor state of roads, poor street lighting, sewage blockage, and inconsistent refuse collection.
New Ziana