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Midlands Bureau Chief
GWERU City Council has proposed a $45 million budget for next year that will see the introduction of a $5 fire levy per household to fund the construction of two fire sub-stations.

Presenting the 2019 budget last Friday, acting finance director Mr Masimba Masimba said in line with the Government’s devolution policy, council plans to construct fire sub-stations in Mkoba and Senga to enable fire fighters to quickly respond to emergencies.

The proposed budget is $7 million more than the 2018 budget.

Mr Masimba said major highlights of the 2019 budget include the upgrading and rehabilitation of water and sewer infrastructure, a major road rehabilitation exercise, introduction of ICT and computerisation of systems, upgrading of Ascot Stadium and the rolling out of 38 000 smart water meters.

He said the dumpsite in Woodlands suburb will be decommissioned and a new one will be commissioned far from residential areas.

“We are planning to construct new vendor marts to accommodate vendors we are removing from shop pavements.

“Council is also planning to construct a Senga student accommodation and shopping mall targeting students at Midlands State University. We will during the year also service residential stands for the new suburb, Mkoba 21,” he said.

Mr Masimba said council intends to increase burial fees by more than 100 percent for non-residents.

Non-resident adults will pay $160 up from $60 while children will pay $80 from $30.

Residents, on the other hand, will pay $80 up from $60. Children will now pay $40 up from $30.

Town Clerk Ms Elizabeth Gwatipedza said council engaged residents’ associations, residents and other stakeholders before coming up with the proposed budget.

“The budget formulation involved all the stakeholders from residents’ associations, residents who formed technical committees such as health leading to this budget. We are late in submitting it to the Ministry of Local Government for consideration,” she said.