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Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent

MIDLANDS province’s Zibagwe Rural District Council (RDC) has proposed a $4,8 billion budget for year 2023, which prioritises roads rehabilitation, water and sanitation, as well as revamping the health delivery system. Last year’s budget was pegged at $215 million.Presenting the budget recently, finance committee chairperson, Councillor Rodgers Nhari, said the budget priorities were in line with the National Development Strategy 1(NDS1) and the council’s vision to become a champion of quality service delivery. 

The budget will draw revenue from local coffers, devolution funds and roads rehabilitation allocations from Zinara. “The state of roads across the district is deplorable owing to incessant rains received in a couple of years ago. That explains why we currently have the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP) in the country. 

As a result, Zibagwe RDC budgeted to maintain and rehabilitate 360km of the roads in the year 2023,” said Cllr Nhari. “In this regard we set aside 50 percent of devolution funds amounting to $843 million towards road maintenance and rehabilitation.” 

The local authority has been allocated a total of $416 million devolution funds for 2023 with 25 percent channelled towards water and sanitation.

“We’re channeling a total of $421 million towards drilling of at least 40 boreholes across the district with focus on marginalised communities. More than 300 boreholes are set for rehabilitation and repairs in that regard,” said Cllr Nhari.

 He said council also seeks to reduce maternal mortality through the purchase of two fully equipped ambulances. “Council did set aside resources to procure two fully equipped ambulances in 2023. In addition, four incinerators will be constructed at four clinics.  

National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1)

“Two clinics, which are under construction will be completed as we seek to increase access to health facilities. This will go a long way in reducing mortality rate and improve the general living standards of our citizenry hence an allocation of $176 million to finance the health activities,” said Cllr Nhari. 

The rural authority has set aside an allocation of $2 million towards the fight against climate change, which will be channelled towards tree planting programmes. Construction of classroom blocks, bus terminus, community halls, electrification of schools including erection of tower lights, are some of the targeted projects. Cllr Nhari said the budget seeks to complement Government’s drive of ensuring that no place in the district is left behind.