Zvimba Rural District Council (RDC) has tabled a proposal of US$24 million (ZWG605 million) budget for 2026 centred on strengthening basic service delivery.
The implementation of the District Master Plan through a comprehensive Local Economic Development (LED) strategy is another core target.
Presenting the budget in Murombedzi on Thursday, Finance Committee chairperson Ephraim Gonzo said the council will prioritise potable water supply, road maintenance, and improvements to health and education infrastructure.
This budget seeks to achieve the set targets in the reviewed annual and strategic plans aligned to NDS1 and NDS2.
“(This) includes the provision of potable water, trafficable roads, health and educational facilities, and the promotion of local economic development to improve community livelihoods, said Gonzo.
He added that improved debt management remains critical to sustaining the councils operations.
Cllr Gonzo noted that prevailing economic hardships have resulted in delayed and non-payment of rates by residents.
In response, the council has intensified debt recovery measures.
Cash constraints among our ratepayers have contributed to the rise in outstanding debts.
“Council has had to strengthen re-engagement with debtors and issue demand letters to ensure service delivery is funded.
The Zvimba RDC 2025 financial performance report shows that the Land Development Levy contributed the highest revenue at ZWG55,742,538.03 (26%).
This was followed by land administration fees at ZWG47,014,977.88 (22%) and licences at ZWG38,174,718.61 (18%).
However, the council noted that its 2025 operations were negatively affected by underfunding.
Of particular concern was the non-disbursement of Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfers (IGFT) and ZINARA grants.
The shortfall stalled project completion and slowed the implementation of planned development programmes.
