Masvingo US$23.6 million budget approved
Brilliant Mukaro
MIRROR REPORTER
MASVINGO – The 2023 annual budget for Masvingo City pegged at US$23,6 million has been approved.
The budget is pegged in both US$ and in local currency. In local currency the figure translates to ZWL$15, 2 billion.
Masvingo City acting Finance Director Danister Jori confirmed the approval by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works to The Mirror.
He said the council is determined to consolidate the achievements made last year and finish pending projects using the approved budget.
Top on the budget priorities is the water augmentation phase two project which has been allocated US$1, 5 million and this will be used for the expansion of water treatment facilities. However, the whole project requires US$71 million to reach completion.
The Rujeko Secondary School project which is a new school just opened in the suburb has been allocated US$257 000. This will be used for construction of classroom blocks and procurement of furniture.
Mucheke trunk sewer will get US$300 000 and lining drainages in Mucheke Suburb will receive US$150 000.
There are plans to buy equipment for road maintenance and construction pegged at US$50 000 while the upgrading of the dumping site will consume US$180 000 of the budget.
US$155 000 has been set aside for the purchase of a refuse compactor.
The City will set aside US$477 000 for servicing its primary schools and there are plans to construct a maternity wing and buy equipment for the recently opened North West Medical Clinic in Runyararo West at a cost of US$70 000.
There will also be installation of streets lights but this time the money will not come from ratepayers but from devolution funds.
Vehicles for executives are due and these will be procured at a cost of US$665 000 while an ambulance will be obtained at a cost of US$45 000.
Market shades will be constructed at a cost of US$5 000 each in Chesvingo, Rujeko, Mucheke and Runyararo.
A masterplan review of the city will cost US$75 000 while a stand survey will be done at a cost of US$90 000.
The City council also seeks to buy sewage pumps which cost US$ 160 000 and road reconstruction of selected streets at a cost of US$ 150 000.
Jori is confident about meeting budget targets.
Tariffs were approved as submitted to the Ministry and treated water will cost US$1, 30 per cubic meter, US$2, 60 per bin collection while the minimum tariffs for sewer per house hold in the high density will be US$23, 68.
