The City of Masvingo recorded strong financial performance in the first quarter of 2026, collecting 74 per cent of its targeted revenue for the period ending March 31.
According to the city’s first-quarter budget performance report, Council collected ZWG192,054,867 against a budgeted target of ZWG259,528,722.
The revenue performance enabled the local authority to implement several projects aimed at improving service delivery and infrastructure across the city.
Among the major achievements was the purchase of road maintenance and public works equipment, including an iron roller valued at US$235,619, a bulldozer worth US$394,707.19 and an excavator costing US$180,768.55.
The new machinery is expected to strengthen the council’s capacity to rehabilitate roads and carry out infrastructure maintenance using its own resources.
The council also made progress in the health sector through the construction of the Runyararo Maternity Clinic at a cost of ZWG232,315.12.
In sport and recreation, the city invested ZWG1.19 million in rehabilitating the Mucheke Multipurpose Sporting Facilities and a further ZWG800,417.93 on ablution facilities at Mucheke Stadium B Grounds.
However, the council said it continues to face financial challenges, including rising debtor balances and accumulating creditors due to low payment levels by residents and ratepayers.
Infrastructure projects have also been affected by delays in government funding.
The long-awaited Mucheke Trunk Sewer Project remains incomplete after earmarked devolution funds were not received, while delays in intergovernmental fiscal transfers and ZINARA grants have slowed infrastructure development.
Council has appealed to residents and ratepayers to honour their financial obligations to enable the local authority to accelerate development and maintain efficient service delivery across Masvingo.
