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Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief
ZVISHAVANE Town Council has maintained a flat $6 million budget for 2017 with a few downward marginal changes.

The proposed budget, which went through consultations, has largely retained the same 2016 tariffs, save for minor reductions in rates.

Town secretary, Mr Tinoda Mukutu said most of the tariffs adopted this year would not be altered after taking into consideration economic hardships facing residents.

At the same time, he said his council would seek to maintain the recommended 70/30 percent ratio on service delivery and salaries.

“This year our budget was at about $6,2 million and we are retaining it for 2017.

‘‘The idea is to maintain the 70/30 percent ratio for service delivery and salaries respectively,” said Mr Mukutu.

He said most of the tariffs for 2016 will be maintained in 2017.

Mr Mukutu said council was proposing reducing a few of the tariffs to ease the burden on  residents.

Water will remain at 35c per cubic meter for domestic use and  $1,225 for commercial use.

Fixed charges will continue to be $5 and $25 for domestic and commercial respectively.

Last week the Government approved Gokwe Town Council”s $2,8 million budget after it was slashed by up to 20 percent from last year”s which was $3,4 million.

— @pchitumba1