By Flata Kavinga
Senior citizens in Kwekwe are set to benefit from a range of concessions under the recently approved US$50 million 2026 budget, Mayor Albert Zinhanga has said.
Zinhanga made the remarks in an interview with journalists shortly after a full council meeting that adopted the budget for the 2026 financial year.
The spending plan was approved for the Kwekwe City Council and includes social support measures targeting elderly residents.
“I can safely tell you that in this budget we have managed to realign many things. Senior citizens have been remembered,” Zinhanga said.
He said elderly residents will be entitled to free medical services at council-run clinics, including consultations and medication.
“If they get sick now, they can go to any council clinic. Doctors will be visiting council clinics and they can see them for free. They can also get medication from council clinics free of charge,” he said.
In addition to health benefits, the council has introduced exemptions and concessions on certain rates for qualifying senior citizens. Zinhanga said elderly residents would also benefit from designated free parking bays once registered with council.
“We will produce parking discs for senior citizens. They need to bring vehicle documents for registration and also prove ownership of their homes to qualify for exemptions on specific rates,” he said.
The mayor said the Housing Department has been instructed to begin the rollout process and will publish notices inviting eligible residents to register for the benefits.
He described the measures as part of council’s efforts to cushion vulnerable groups amid prevailing economic challenges.
