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Midlands Bureau
GWERU residents last week rejected a supplementary budget that was presented by the city, which proposed an increase in rates of more than 100 percent.

If approved, residents in high density suburbs would pay at least RTGS$45 for water monthly — assuming they use water within rationing limits — up from about RTGS$18, while residents in medium density suburbs will pay RTGS$90 up from about RTGS$45 per month. Burial fees for children will increase to RTGS$80 from RTGS$40, while those for adults will go up to RTGS$160 from RTGS$80.

Ambulance fee will double to RTGS$30 from RTGS$15.

This was revealed by acting finance director Mr Owen Masimba during the proposed supplementary budget meeting held at the town house last week.

Mr Masimba said the proposal has been necessitated by a sharp increase in prices of services and commodities due to inflation, adding that the local authority is proposing an upward review of its 2019 budget from RTGS$45 million to about RTGS$90 million.

The budget was approved by the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.

“This is just a proposal and we actually need a supplementary budget of more than RTGS$200 000 if we are to meet some capital projects and improve service delivery,” said Mr Masimba. “So, we are just proposing about 100 percent increment of the RTGS$45 million that was approved by the Ministry.”

Residents quickly shot down the proposed supplementary budget, saying it would increase rates and services beyond the reach of many residents.

Chairperson of the Gweru Traders’ Association Mr Everest Mbenjani said they were against the proposed budget which had figures which vendors won’t afford.

“We are against the proposed increments because from January, council has been increasing from RTGS$17,50 for fruit and vegetables per month to RTGS$70 in March and if the proposal is approved we will be forced to pay RTGS$350, which is not viable,” he said.

“We are selling in RTGS$ and they want to rate in US dollar, we can’t afford that. We won’t remain viable as informal traders.”

Gweru Residents and Ratepayers’ Association chairperson Mr Cornelius Selipiwe said if approved, the supplementary budget will result in more residents defaulting in settling services rendered by council.