Chitungwiza Municipality began its 2027 budget consultations yesterday, Saturday, across the town’s 25 wards, with residents being asked to give their views on proposed tariff increases aimed at addressing rising operational costs and improving service delivery.
The consultations, which continue today, follow an initial stakeholder engagement meeting held at the council chambers on October 22, where the proposed tariffs were presented to residents and other stakeholders.
Under the proposed 2027 tariffs, residential rates would increase from US$14.18 to US$18.80, while institutional rates are set to rise from US$67 to US$96.43.
Commercial rates are proposed to increase from US$90 to US$130.20.
For residential properties, the fixed sewer charge would rise from US$6.61 to US$7.20, while refuse collection charges would increase from US$4.04 to US$6.81.
The consultations were conducted in several wards, including Wards 1, 3 and 5 during yesterday’s morning sessions, while afternoon meetings were scheduled for Wards 21, 2 and 6, among others. Further consultations are continuing today, with Ward 19 among the areas expected to be covered.
However, the meetings have raised concern over the low participation of young people, with attendance largely dominated by residents above the age of 40 despite council’s mobilisation efforts.
These efforts included door-to-door distribution of flyers, public announcements and online communication aimed at encouraging residents to attend and contribute to the budget-making process.
Ward 21 Councillor Vusimuzi Moyo expressed concern over the apparent lack of interest among young people, saying their participation was important given that the proposed budget would directly affect their future and household finances.
“It’s important to teach our children and encourage them to participate in these meetings. The future belongs to them. They are not valuing participation at consultations and that bills need to be paid,” said Moyo.
“These meetings affect residents’ pockets; they affect landlords. It’s very important to give your input.”
Council said the proposed tariff adjustments were informed by the operational costs associated with providing municipal services.
In developing the proposed budget, departments were required to identify their operational requirements and obtain updated procurement costs, while council also considered equipment maintenance and other expenses linked to service delivery.
At the October 22 stakeholder meeting, council engaged leaders of residents’ associations, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and other stakeholders to gather views and proposals that would inform the 2027 budget.
Among the projects being proposed for 2027 are the construction of vending markets and the establishment of the Utano Drug Rehabilitation Day Care Centre.
Meanwhile, residents attending the consultations have raised concerns over persistent service delivery challenges, particularly sewer reticulation, highlighting the need for improvements in municipal infrastructure alongside any proposed tariff increases.
The ongoing consultations provide residents with an opportunity to scrutinise the proposed charges, raise service delivery concerns and make submissions before the municipality finalises its 2027 budget.