Home Business City of Gweru awaits minister’s nod for 2025 budget

City of Gweru awaits minister’s nod for 2025 budget

by commuadmin

CommuTalk Reporter

GWERU – The City of Gweru is anxiously awaiting approval from the Minister of Local Government for its 2025 budget.

Despite improving stakeholder engagement through budget consultations, performance reviews, and pre-budget meetings, some residents remain dissatisfied with the level of service delivery.

Many are hopeful their concerns will be addressed in the new budget.

Speaking at an interface meeting organized by the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET), Council Finance Committee Chairperson Hlupeko Marufu highlighted that the budget was developed after extensive consultations and subsequent scrutiny by ministry officials and other experts.

“We are now waiting for approval with recommendations after defending the budget in Masvingo before ministry officials and technocrats from institutions of higher learning,” Marufu said.

He added that the council incorporated feedback from residents, including scrapping the contentious proposal to increase cemetery fees.

Residents prioritized improved healthcare delivery, better educational facilities, and reliable water provision in the 2025 budget.

In past years, City of Gweru faced challenges with budget approval, including the rejection of a 2021 request to reduce rates.

Council also drew criticism for rebasing its 2022 budget in US dollars without adequate consultation.

Ward 5 Councillor Aron Mumvana revealed GCC’s plan to construct one school per year, with wards 1, 3, 5, 11, and 16 identified as priority areas due to infrastructure challenges.

The council also plans to build a clinic with maternity services in Mkoba 16.

VISET board member Rumbidzai Dube called on the council to restore order at the Mtapa Vegetable Market and to establish an additional fruit and vegetable market in the central business district.

Dube noted that many vendors continue to operate illegally on the streets, engaging in a “hide-and-seek” game with municipal police, as they cannot afford the high stall fees at Kudzanayi Terminus.

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