Sibonguthando Dube

MIRROR REPORTER

MBERENGWA – The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has approved ZWL$4,9 billion annual budget for Mberengwa Rural District Council (RDC).

The budget increased from ZWL$1,3 billion in 2022.

Mberengwa RDC Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Percy Mwedzi confirmed the approval in an interview with The Mirror.

“Our budget has been approved and our 2023 tariffs have not changed in US$ terms. We anticipate to robustly collect our 2022 arrears as well as 2023 rates.

“As Council we have carried over to 2023 uncompleted projects for completion and these projects include Bayayi, Chebvute, Garinyama, Madhekwana, Rengwe and Gwavamutangi clinics. The council plans to maintain roads and construct bridges. We also want to purchase a new UD7 tonne truck, tipper truck, a tractor and an ambulance.

“In terms of water and sanitation we want to drill more boreholes, improve Mberengwa water reticulation and piped water scheme. We are also planning to start new projects including electrification of Runde Primary School, developing Mberengwa Primary School and buying new furniture for different schools.

“We have been granted ZWL$1,8 billion from Devolution and other grants,” he said.

Mwedzi said the 2022 budget performance was at 42% and the poor performance was attributed to drought and reorganization of the council staff to improve Council image to the ratepayers.