Sydney Mubaiwa

MIDLANDS BUREAU CHIEF

GOKWE-The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has approved Gokwe Town Council ‘s ZWL$4,4 billion 2023 budget, which will see rates and service charges going up by an average of 80 percent.

The local authority is now gearing to embark on various projects, with major focus on education, roads, health, equipment and recreational facilities.

The local authority’s acting finance director Tafadzwa Kwirirai confirmed the approval of the budget.

“Yes, I can confirm that the Ministry has approved our 2023 budget which is about ZWL$4,4 billion up from last year’s ZWL$1,1 billion.

“The 2023 budget will continue to accelerate progress in the areas of infrastructure development, education etc,” he said.

Kwirirai said 2022 was a difficult year post COVID-19, however the local authority thrived to its best.

“Council had projected a budget of ZWL$1 115 614 691, 65 and as of 30 October, 2022, council had collected ZW$ 539 390 456,13 which is 48 percent,” he said. 

He appreciated Government interventions through grants provisions. 

Kwirirai said council intends to build classroom blocks, rehabilitate roads in each ward and the Central Business District (CBD). 

“We are in line with Government’s Vision 2030 and that is why our budget is centered on capital projects such as infrastructure development.”