Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has approved Masvingo City’s US$31,94 million budget for 2026.
The budget approval sets the tone for infrastructure development, improved service delivery and sustainable urban transformation as the city moves towards becoming an industrialised metropolitan centre by 2030.
This was revealed by Masvingo City Finance Director Danister Jori during a national post-budget review meeting held at the Urban Lifestyle Hotel where stakeholders gathered to align local priorities with the 2026 National Budget.
The solar plant is going to be installed in one of the city council farms which will serve water treatment and sewer plant.
In 2025 the ancient city’s budget was $35,29m and this year was reduced to $31.94 and the decrease is due to the reduction in allocation of grants, reduction in amount of borrowings and reduction in fees and licenses as per government directive said Jori.
He said the city has earmarked a number of major projects for execution during the financial year and these include the solar plant ($5,5 million), water augmentation phase ll ($740k), the contentious Mucheke Trunk Sewer ($150k), schools infrastructure ($873k), SMEs mall, innovation hub and equipment ($215k) and refuse trucks ($270k)
Jori said, “The municipality’s 2026 theme is “Strengthening Local Economic Drivers and Sustainable Urban Transformation Towards Vision 2030.”
He added, “This budget reflects our commitment as a city to support national development objectives under Vision 2030.”
Of the US$31,94 million budget, 73 percent is expected to be raised from internal revenue sources while 27 percent will come from external funding.
Outlining the priority areas, Jori said, “We have prioritised five key programme areas, with 49 percent going towards water, sanitation and hygiene. Social services will receive 27 percent, governance and administration 22 percent, roads seven percent and public safety and security five percent.”
He confirmed that the city had budgeted US$1,2 million in 2025 to purchase road-marking equipment.
“The equipment is expected to be delivered in March and will enable us to carry out road marking in house, reducing costs and improving efficiency in road maintenance,” he said.
Jori further noted that the 2026 budget provides for major events to be hosted by the city such as the Tourism Expo, Disability Expo and Inter-Municipal Games which are expected to stimulate economic activity and enhance Masvingo’s investment appeal.
As Zimbabwe implements National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), Jori called for broader collaboration.
“We call upon businesses and stakeholders to partner with the city in infrastructure development and facilities upgrades. Inclusive participation of women, youths and other community groups remains central to our transformation agenda,” he said.
Masvingo City’s approved 2026 budget demonstrates a firm commitment to fiscal discipline, improved service delivery and sustainable urban growth in line with national development priorities, he told The Midweek Watch.
