Beitbridge Sets ZiG432m 2026 Budget, Slashes Some Tariffs

The Municipality of Beitbridge has approved a ZiG432 million budget for 2026, when tariffs will be adjusted, where capital projects will be prioritised, and why the plan aims to support the Government’s ease of doing business reforms and ongoing city modernisation efforts. The budget was presented yesterday by Finance Committee chairperson and deputy mayor Cllr John Manatsa, who said it was crafted after extensive consultations with residents and stakeholders, outlining how the town intends to improve service delivery under tight financial conditions.

The budget allocates ZiG127 million to water, sanitation, and hygiene projects, while USD-based tariffs remain unchanged. Manatsa said the spending plan guided by the theme “Enhancing Minimum Service Delivery Towards Vision 2030” responds to key concerns raised during public consultations, particularly water security, road rehabilitation, sewer upgrades, and improved social services.

Drafted in line with NDS2, the budget revolves around six pillars, including governance, WASH, social services, roads, public safety, and natural resources management. The municipality expects to raise revenue from taxes, transfers, fines, sale of goods, and other streams, and has proposed expenditure of ZiG180 million for operations and ZiG250 million for capital projects.

Manatsa said tariff adjustments mainly affect licensing following new Government regulations that scrapped and capped certain fees, adding that some charges were reduced at residents’ request. Beitbridge also expects to accelerate road works next year using ZiG100 million in devolution funds.

Acting mayor Cllr Takavingei Mahachi urged residents to pay bills on time to ensure consistent service delivery, while Town Clerk Mr. Loud Ramakgapola confirmed that the budget will be submitted to the Ministry of Local Government this week for approval ahead of January implementation.