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John Murwira Mashonaland West Bureau
CHIRUNDU Local Board has proposed a $1 million 2018 budget, which will see an increase of $67 000 from last year. Town secretary Mr Wilson Gunhe said the local authority was proposing a slight increase after adjustments to the rates at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority complex, which owns most of the buildings in the area.

“Our current budget is pegged at $1 014 720 and we are proposing a $1 082 000 for next year,” he said.

Mr Gunhe said the Zimra complex at Chirundu Border Post was being undercharged compared to other border towns. He urged residents to pay their bills to enjoy decent services from council. “Both parties, including council and residents, should meet their obligations in order to develop our town,” he said.

“As council, we are there to make sure that residents enjoy proper service delivery, but they must pay their bills.”

Mr Gunhe said paying of bills would allow council to address concerns raised by residents during the 2018 budget consultations. Residents called on businesses operating in the border town to plough back the profits they are getting to the community. Council recently introduced quarterly payment for licences, which has been welcomed by businesspeople in the town.

“The move is bearing fruits as some of them were finding it difficult to make once-off payments,” said Mr Gunhe.