…targets infrastructure-led transformation.
FAITH NDOU
BIKITA-The government has approved 2026 budget for Bikita Rural District Council (RDC) amounting to ZwG307, 690, 716.45 with a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, service delivery and economic transformation across the district.
Bikita RDC Chief Executive Officer Engineer Arnold Tapiwa Mtuke said the budget is anchored on improving livelihoods through targeted infrastructure investment.
“This budget is anchored on infrastructure development and service delivery. We are prioritising projects that directly improve the lives of our communities, particularly in water, roads, health and education,” said Eng Mtuke.
He added that the council is committed to ensuring that development is felt at community level.
“Our focus is to close infrastructure gaps and ensure that no community is left behind in terms of access to basic services,” he said.
According to the approved framework, nearly 70 percent of the budget will be channelled towards capital development projects, reflecting a strong infrastructure-led approach.
Key allocations include ZWG 56.9 million for social amenities, ZWwG44.4 million for roads infrastructure, ZwG37.9 million for acquisition of operational assets, ZwG32.4 million for water supply projects, ZwG15.7 million for health facilities, ZwG13.4 million for electricity projects and ZwG11.2 million for educational facilities.
The priority sectors were selected to accelerate service delivery and improve living standards in both rural and urban areas.
Eng Mtuke said the funding model reflects the council’s development direction despite reliance on external support.
“We recognise that more than half of our revenue will come from central government transfers and grants and we are committed to using these resources efficiently for maximum impact,” he said.
The council also highlighted its focus on local economic development with initiatives aimed at supporting SMEs, promoting investment and unlocking value chains in agriculture, energy and tourism.
Eng Mtuke said natural resources in Bikita present significant opportunities for growth.
“We are leveraging our local resources including fruit production, solar energy potential, lithium beneficiation opportunities and tourism sites such as Chibvumani Ruins and Norumedzo Forests,” he said.
Under devolution funding, key projects include Dungu Clinic, Norumedzo Clinic, Manicure School second house, Musiya School second block and Duma street lights.
Own-funded projects include Makota School block, Mbuyanehanda School block, Matsvange Clinic, Mupakwa School administration block, Chirorwe School administration block, Gayarabwe Community Hall in Ward 22, Ward 32 Community Hall, Mvurachena School block in Ward 13 and Njaravani School block.
Through ZINARA allocations, Bikita RDC plans to procure a grader and undertake 400km of road maintenance.
Under the WASH programme, the council will rehabilitate 60 boreholes and construct five protected water points in ward 5, 6, 8, 10 and 14 and to improve access to clean drinking and irrigation of small gardens to boost nutrition.
Eng Mtuke said the budget aligns with national development goals and vision 2030.
“We are committed to building a council that delivers equitable, inclusive and efficient services to all citizens,” he said.
He added that the 2026 plan is designed to transform Bikita into a more connected and economically active district.
“This is a development driven budget. It is about transforming communities, improving service delivery and building a stronger local economy,” said Eng Mtuke.
