City of Kadoma adopts 2026 budget with water relief measures, calls for residents support
By Admire Chitsungo
Residents in Kadoma are set to benefit from lower water charges and renewed infrastructure investment after council approved its 2026 budget, a plan city officials say balances affordability with long-term service delivery.
The budget, confirmed at the end of January, was announced through Town Clerk Malvern Dondo, who said the financial plan was shaped by extensive consultations with residents, businesses and other stakeholders. Submissions gathered during the process influenced key adjustments, including responses to two formal objections raised before adoption.
Taking a service-delivery focused approach, council positioned the budget not merely as a financial document but as a recovery tool aimed at stabilising water supply and modernising municipal systems.
Among the headline measures is a 50 percent reduction in the minimum water charge for areas not receiving water, offering relief to households that have long paid for inconsistent supply. The per-unit cost of water will also drop significantly from US$1.43 to US$0.80 per 1 000 litres.
However, the minimum consumption charge will edge up slightly from US$1.43 to US$1.50, with incremental adjustments across higher usage brackets expected to take effect from February 2026.
Council also approved a US$2 million solar-powered water treatment plant at Blue Ranges, a project expected to improve reliability while lowering energy costs. To finance the initiative, property owners will pay a once-off solar levy ranging from US$100 for high-density homes to US$200 for commercial and industrial properties, due by June 2026.
The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works endorsed the budget with conditions that council clears all salary arrears by June 30, 2026, and fully utilises enterprise resource planning systems to tighten revenue collection and accountability.
City officials say the reforms are designed to restore public confidence and strengthen operational efficiency.
Communication Manager Walter Ndlovu urged residents to play their part in ensuring the success of the plan.
“This budget reflects the voices of our residents and prioritises fair water pricing and infrastructure development. We encourage all ratepayers to support the programme by settling their bills on time so that council can deliver the improved services everyone expects,” he said.
Council expressed appreciation to the budget taskforce and the community for their participation, reaffirming its commitment to implementing the plan fully as it works toward its long-term vision of becoming a smart, efficient and sustainable service hub by 2030.
