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Michael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
Kwekwe City Council has adopted a $41 million supplementary budget despite strong opposition from a section of the residents.

The supplementary budget is meant to compliment the initial 2019 budget of $26,9 million which has been rendered useless by inflation and high operational costs.

Acting finance director Mr January Mkandapi confirmed the development saying under the new supplementary budget, council proposes to hike sewer tariffs by 100 percent from $5 to $10 for high-density suburbs, while refuse has been raised from $3 to $9 for the same area.

He said the local authority is proposing to peg water charges at $2,70, up from $0,80 per cubic litre, while fire levy has been proposed at $1,70, up from $0,70 across the board.

Kwekwe Mayor Councillor Angeline Kasipo said she saw no reason for not adopting the budget given they consulted relevant stakeholders.

“Let us move to adopt the supplementary budget,” she said.

“I see no reason for us not adopting the budget after we have made all the necessary consultations. I, therefore, strongly think we should adopt the budget.”

The consultative meetings for the supplementary budget were highly charged, with some residents describing the supplementary budget as anti-residents and, therefore, anti-development.

Some ratepayers blamed the local authority for corruption and prioritising their own welfare at the expense of service delivery and calling for an audit within council.

The business community sided with council saying the decision taken was appropriate considering the prevailing economic situation.