By Flata Kavinga
The Municipality of Redcliff has proposed a 20 percent reduction in assessment rates in its 2026 proposed budget, following concerns raised by residents and other stakeholders over the affordability of current charges.
In a notice issued by the Council’s Public Relations Manager, Michael Magoronga, the proposed budget for 2026 stands at US$19.4 million, down from last year’s US$25 million.
The reduction in assessment rates is expected to result in a revenue decrease of about US$2 million, with council officials saying the move seeks to ease the burden on ratepayers while maintaining essential service delivery.
“The proposal comes in response to feedback from sections of the community who felt that current rates were unaffordable,” said Magoronga.
According to the notice, most tariffs will remain unchanged in the 2026 financial year, while the Council has embarked on its second round of budget consultations to gather input from residents and various community groups before submitting the final budget to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works for approval.
The consultations, which began on 28 October, will run until 4 November 2025, targeting stakeholders such as small and medium enterprises (SMEs), churches, schools, corporates, people living with disabilities, and other community representatives.
Copies of the proposed tariffs and charges have been made available for public inspection at Council revenue offices in Redcliff, Rutendo, and Torwood.
Magoronga urged residents to actively participate in the ongoing consultations to ensure transparency and equitable allocation of resources across the municipality.
“The engagement process is meant to ensure that the final budget reflects the needs and expectations of all residents,” he said.
The Municipality’s move has been welcomed by some residents who have long called for the review of rates amid economic challenges faced by households and businesses in the town.
