Government approves Kadoma’s 2026 budget
THE Ministry of Local Government has approved City of Kadoma’s proposed US$37 million budget for 2026.
In a recent public notice, Town Clerk Malvern Dondo informed stakeholders of the latest development.
The approved 2026 budget encompasses significant policy decisions aimed at improving service delivery and infrastructure. Key components include water tariff adjustment with a 50% reduction in the minimum water charge for areas not receiving water, decreasing the per-unit cost (1,000 liters) from US$1.43 to US$0.80. The minimum consumption charge will rise from US$1.43 to US$1.50, with incremental increases in higher tariff brackets effective February 2026.
The budget also had a Solar Levy approved for the water treatment plant at Blue Ranges, funded by a once-off solar levy differentiated by property type: US$100 for high-density, US$120 for low-density, US$150 for institutional, and US$200 for commercial/industrial properties. Charges are based on average monthly water consumption and must be paid by June 2026.
Despite the approval, the parent ministry sanctioned the budget with two conditions, instructing the council to liquidate all salary arrears by June 30, 2026, and ensure full utilisation of all ERP modules to enhance revenue generation and collection.
The budget implementation strategy emphasises stakeholder engagement, financial discipline, and infrastructure investment to improve water services and overall municipal operations.
The city has expressed profound gratitude to the Budget Taskforce, residents, and stakeholders for their active participation in shaping the 2026 budget.
The council said it is committed to fully executing the budget, contingent on adequate funding from ratepayers and external sources, to enhance service delivery and achieve its vision of becoming “A smart service sanctuary by 2030”.
The budget was crafted through extensive consultations, taking into account various submissions and addressing specific objections raised by the community. This transparent process reflects the city’s commitment to inclusive governance and responsive public service management aligned with its long-term vision. _*NewZimbabwe*_
