The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has unveiled an adopted a ‘standstill’ budget of US$264 million for 2024, with improved service delivery as the main priority.
The budget statement was read out by the chairperson of the Finance and Economic Development Committee Councillor Mpumelelo Moyo in the council chamber on Monday.
The 2024 budget is set at US$264 064 416 which is a slight adjustment from the 2023 budget which was at US$244 056 873.
The revenue budget is pegged at US$ 167 462 100 while the capital budget is $96 602 316.
Under governance and administration, Cllr 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,” said Cllr Moyo.
“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 for 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 Council has set aside US$905,000 to improve reclaimed water infrastructure. As part of Council’s strategic plan Water Works will require US$3.8 million to improve operational efficiency. To reduce water losses 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 Cllr 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.”
Council is also targeting to construct new libraries at Mahatshula, Emakhandeni and Cowdray Park and refurbish Nkulumane Library.
Two classroom blocks will be constructed at Ngwalongwalo Primary School and Vulindlela Primary School (funded from Devolution funds). Council also intends to construct a new school, Khuzwayo Primary School and build a science laboratory at Sizalendaba Secondary School.
Two new Council Clinics will also also be built in Cowdray Park suburb and Emgwanwini township. The budget will also address the rehabilitation of the Crematorium, the development of Pumula South and Marvel cemeteries.
Under roads, the council has budgeted US$29,544,894, 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 has 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 Cllr Moyo.
