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Councillor Mark Mutengani of Ward 23 in Bikita Rural District Council (RDC) said a directive by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to cut the local authority’s budget affected most of the capital projects in the area.
He revealed the information during the second quarter full council meeting held on the 28th of June 2024.
“Our budget as communicated in my first quarter reported that the minister directed us to revert to the 2022 budget. Our projected budget fell by 50%. The cut budget affected most of our capital projects and we are expecting a slow movement to capital projects.
“Our revenue collection stood at 69%. There are no grants received yet for this quarter, meaning the revenue collected is totally from our own revenue. The greater part of the variance (defaulters) is Ward 23 Duma house rates which stood at US$169 993.07. We as a ward, constitute the greater part of council debtors. I therefore encourage you my fellow residents of the Duma location to pay our dues in time. I hope you received your current statements as distributed by the council just recently,” Councillor Mutengani said.
Elizabeth Jaravaza, a Duma resident, said the failure of the council to collect enough revenue meant that the local authority failed to pump enough water for domestic use.
“The lack of adequate water increases the burden on women and girls. Instead of getting the water on the taps, we travel long distances to boreholes where we often queue for the water. This affects the time for girls to go to school. They often report to school late because they will be queueing for water. Apart from that, women need more water when they are on their menstrual periods. In most cases, girls will then skip lessons when they are on menstrual periods,” Jaravaza said.
Bikita Rural District Council managed to beat the 30 June 2024 deadline as directed by the central government to submit a master plan. The master plan and valuation roll await the minister’s approval. Due process was done with all stakeholders engaged.
The ward also witnessed the opening of roads in critical areas of Chinobva and Mamvura villages. The general road maintenance is complete.
“In the spirit of the safety of our people after previous casualties that befell our community, we resolved to apply to the Ministry of Transport for speed reduction bumps at Gumunyu – Gwindingwi road and Pambudzi – Matimba junction,” Cllr Mutengani added.