The City of Bulawayo has earmarked US$130.1 million for capital projects in 2027, with priorities including water and sewer infrastructure rehabilitation, road reconstruction, street lighting and the expansion of serviced residential stands.
Presenting the proposed US$440.6 million budget, Finance and Development Committee deputy chairperson Councillor Dumisani Nkomo said the local authority would prioritise infrastructure and services where residents were experiencing the greatest challenges.
“The 2027 Budget directs resources to the areas where service failures are most felt and where the 2026 review shows the largest gaps,” Nkomo said.
In water and sanitation, Council plans to renew ageing water mains and sewer networks, complete the Lobengula Street sewer project, maintain pump stations and reservoirs and reduce water losses through the use of newly installed bulk meters.
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The local authority also intends to prepare its infrastructure for additional bulk water from the Gwayi-Shangani project, while updating its water demand management plan in anticipation of below-normal rainfall associated with the El Niño weather phenomenon.
On roads, Council expects to raise approximately US$20.8 million through a ring-fenced special roads levy to finance rehabilitation, resurfacing and pothole patching, as well as complete the reconstruction of Lobengula Street.
Housing development is another priority, with Council seeking to work with private partners to accelerate the servicing of residential stands.
However, its 2026 performance highlights the scale of the challenge. The local authority delivered 411 serviced stands against a target of 1,500 during the first half of the year, falling short by 1,089 stands.
Council also plans to expand solar street lighting and repair tower lights, following concerns about public safety. It identified 88 faulty fire hydrants for repairs, while its disaster preparedness programme will receive US$8.7 million for emergency water supplies, storm-water drainage, early warning systems and responses to disease outbreaks.
The capital budget is expected to be financed largely through borrowing and the Public Sector Investment Programme, which account for approximately 69 percent of projected capital funding.
The scale of the proposed investment raises questions about the availability of financing and Council’s capacity to implement the projects.
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