By Flata Kavinga
Zibagwe Rural District Council (ZRDC) has proposed a ZWG337,826,660.31 budget for 2026, inclusive of government grants, as the local authority seeks to strengthen service delivery while promoting a more business-friendly environment. The proposal was presented by Finance Committee Chairperson Cllr Tichafa Chitate during the council’s 2026 budget presentation.
Cllr Chitate said the budget will draw its income from three main sources: 32.67 percent from local revenue, 46.15 percent from devolution funds, and 21.18 percent from Zinara allocations.
He said the proposed budget aligns with a Cabinet directive compelling local authorities to adjust fees and levies to enhance the ease of doing business. As a result, several tariffs have been sharply reduced for 2026.
Environmental impact assessment fees will fall from US$100 to US$20, while licences for financial services will drop from US$800 to US$20. In line with Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) regulations, annual fees for large lodges will be capped at US$1,500. Filling stations will also benefit from a major reduction in licensing costs, from US$2,000 to US$500.
Liquor licences will now cost US$100, down from US$160.
Cllr Chitate said the review is intended to stimulate investment, although it will lead to a 6.7 percent decline in council local revenue.
Despite the reduction, ZRDC is proposing no tariff increases for the 2026 financial year. The only exception will be development levies, with households set to pay US$2 per capita in line with Section 96(3a.ii) of the Rural District Councils Act (Chapter 29:13).
Turning to expenditure, the council allocated ZWG39,645,614.94 towards employee compensation under governance and administration.
Cllr Chitate said the 2026 budget places emphasis on human capital development to improve service delivery. The council plans to recruit 14 additional staff members, including three officers for the planning department, five for the fire section, one ranger, two builders and three workers for the rig section.
