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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
The Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing has approved Beitbridge Town Council’s proposed annual budget of $8,8 million that will see tariffs and charges remaining the same. The council’s town secretary Mr Loud Ramakgapola said they received confirmation from the ministry on Thursday last week.

He said they were looking at increasing their revenue collection rate to 60 percent from the 49 percent they collected last year.

Mr Ramakgapola said at least $2,7 million of the budget will be channelled to major capital projects including construction of a new bus terminus, laboratory at Vhembe High School, procuring a paving machine, construction of a town council workshop and setting up of modern flea market stalls.

Other proposed projects are the upgrading of Dulibadzimu Stadium, setting up a satellite clinic in the Garikayi area, construction of a primary school, putting prepaid water meters and tarring of roads.

“We are expecting a total income of $8,882,180,60 and an expenditure of $8,871,189,31 with a surplus of $10,991.29,” said Mr Ramakgapola.

He said general expenses were expected to chew around $4,505,662.16, with $1,7 million for employees costs forming 19 percent of the total budget.

Mr Ramakgapola said the council’s budget was the second to be approved by Government and the council had been commended for ensuring that its books were audited within the set down time frame.

He said the council was seized with the non-payment of rates and services by residents which had seen council owing service providers such as the Zimbabwe National Water Authority.

“It is of paramount importance that we pay up for services and rates if we are to move forward towards our quest to urbanisation” he said.