By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE Beitbridge Rural District Council (BBRDC) has approved a new Development Levy of US$3 per capita, effective January 1, 2026.
The resolution was adopted during a full council meeting following a recommendation by the Finance Committee.
Council also authorised the inclusion of the revised levy in the 2026 Budget and the approved Schedule of Fees and Charges.
Responding to concerns raised by Chief Tshitaudze (real name David Mbedzi) on eligibility, BBRDC Council Chairperson Oscar Chiromo clarified that residents aged between 18 and 69 years will pay US$3, while those aged 17 and below, as well as those 70 years and above, will pay a reduced fee of US$1.
Failure to pay the levy will attract penalties, including a goat fine imposed at village level by headmen.
The levy replaces the previous household-based charge of R50 and will be collected by village headmen.
Council indicated that 70 percent of the funds raised will be retained at ward level to support local development projects such as road maintenance, clinic upgrades, school improvements and soil conservation initiatives.
BBRDC Chief Executive Officer Kiliboni Mbedzi said project implementation would be guided by community priorities.
“Upon confirmation with the ward councillor, priority projects identified by the majority of residents will be implemented,” she said.
Chief Tshitaudze emphasized the need for strong coordination among traditional and elected leaders to ensure the effective use of funds.
“There should be a good working relationship between village heads, headmen and ward councillors. They must meet regularly so that priorities align and the 70 percent allocation benefits the community,” he said.
He also called for accountability in the handling of funds, joking that communities often hear excuses about missing receipt books.
“We need transparency. People must trust the system,” he said.
Council officials acknowledged that there has been limited understanding of the levy among residents and stressed the need for increased community awareness.
Rural development levies in Zimbabwe are largely administered by Rural District Councils (RDCs) and are targeted at land beneficiaries (A1 and A2 farms) to fund local infrastructure, including roads, clinics, schools, and soil conservation
Per Capita Development Levy referred to in some districts (often called mari yemusoro) that can range from US$1 to US$5, according to the Association of Rural District Councils of Zimbabwe (ARDCZ).
These levies are payable quarterly by holders of Model A1 permits and A2 offer letters. Failure to pay can lead to the cancellation of offer letters.