By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The Municipality of Beitbridge has presented its proposed 2025 Municipal Budget, with a focus on the theme “Consolidating Economic Transformation.”
This budget aims to act as a catalyst for economic growth and development within the municipality, aligning with the National Development Strategy’s goal of moving Zimbabwe towards a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030.
Presented by Councillor John Manatsa, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, the proposed US$15.9 million revenue budget for 2025 is designed to provide the adequate resources and investment needed to meet the aspirations of residents and stakeholders.
“To achieve the aspirations of residents and stakeholders requires adequate resources and investment,” he stated
This represents an 18% increase from the 2024 budget, which Cllr John Manatsa, the attributed to the development of new residential stands for sale in 2025.
“These stands, categorized into High Density, Medium Density, Low Density, and commercial, will be sold and serviced by the Municipality, offering residents and investors new opportunities to contribute to the local economy” he said.
Cllr Manatsa acknowledged the current challenges in service delivery due to financial constraints, as evidenced by low budget expenditure in previous years. However, he expressed optimism that the increased budget and the sale of the new residential stands will help to address these issues.
Furthermore, Manatsa announced that the Municipality is in the process of finalizing a policy to offer rate discounts to senior citizens aged 60 and above, as a gesture of appreciation for their contributions to the town’s development.
“This will be our special way of honouring and acknowledging their role in the development of this town,”he added
By aligning its 2025 Municipal Budget with the National Development Strategy and focusing on economic transformation, the Municipality of Beitbridge aims to create a more prosperous and empowered community, benefiting both residents and stakeholders alike.