By Flata Kavinga
Kwekwe City Council is yet to finalise its proposed 2026 budget as it works to incorporate a government directive ordering local authorities to reduce certain levies, Mayor Councillor Albert Zinhanga has said.
In an interview, Cllr Zinhanga said the council had initially completed consolidating its budget proposals when it received a statutory instrument from the government instructing municipalities to review downwards some of their charges.
“We have not yet concluded the budget,” he said. “Remember when we had done our consolidation, we received an SI from the government where they were saying we should reduce our levies. Some of the levies were reduced by 50%, others by 20%, others by 30%. So we are busy complying with the government’s directive.”
Cllr Zinhanga said the adjustments are currently underway and that the local authority expects to complete the revised budget soon.
“I think by the end of next week we should have a consolidated budget that we can say this is now where we are,” he said. “From next week, I’ll give you an informed position.”
The government recently directed all local authorities to review their budgets and reduce some levies to ease the financial burden on residents and businesses, part of broader efforts to promote affordability and economic stability.
