MARTIN MAWAYA
Gweru City Council has secured government approval for its ambitious ZWG2,13 billion (about US$71 million) 2026 budget, signaling a renewed push to revive service delivery in the Midlands capital.
Council spokesperson Vimbai Chingwaramusee confirmed the approval.
“Yes, the budget was approved. It stands at a total of ZWG2 130 262 620.00,” she said.
In a letter dated February 19, 2026, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works confirmed that the budget had been approved in terms of Section 47(1) of the Public Finance Management Act, with assurances that its implementation would be closely monitored throughout the year.
The approval clears the way for Gweru City Council to channel the bulk of its resources into improving water supply, road rehabilitation, waste management, and job creation, critical services that residents have been demanding for years.
Mayor, Councillor Martin Chivhoko, said the 2026 financial plan would be largely funded from council’s own revenue streams, reflecting a decisive shift from survival mode to renewal.
“The total proposed budget for 2026 is ZWG2,13 billion, translating to about US$71 million, up from US$50,4 million last year. While 2025 focused on stabilizing services under difficult macroeconomic conditions, 2026 is about renewal, investing in infrastructure, service rehabilitation, and local economic development,” Chivhoko said in a media interview.
Council avoided across-the-board hikes, opting instead for minor adjustments to selected user charges to improve cost recovery.
Ten percent of the budget has been ring fenced for local economic development initiatives targeting women, youths, and small businesses, as the city moves to create sustainable livelihoods and expand its economic base.
However, persistent poor revenue collection continues to undermine service delivery.
Debtors now owe the council ZWG860 million in unpaid rates and service charges, spanning high-density households, government departments, commercial enterprises, and informal markets.
The growing debt has severely constrained the council’s ability to maintain infrastructure and meet residents’ basic needs.
Despite these challenges, the local authority expects to raise ZWG1,62 billion from property rates, service charges, rentals, licences, and fees, while intergovernmental transfers, mainly road funds, are projected to contribute ZWG92,8 million.
A land sale valued at ZWG420 million has also been approved to balance the budget.
Water and sewer infrastructure has been allocated ZWG54 million, targeting pump replacements at Gwenoro Dam, rehabilitation of treatment ponds, replacement of dilapidated pipes, automation of key pump stations, and network repairs.
The council also plans to intensify its water loss reduction programme through leak detection, pipe replacement, and pressure management.
Roads will receive ZWG103 million for overlays, surfacing, culverts, and drainage works, while waste management and landfill projects will get ZWG60 million.
Health and social services, including clinic and laboratory upgrades, have been allocated ZWG34,5 million.
Local economic development initiatives will receive ZWG213 million for SMEs infrastructure, markets, revolving funds, and skills development.
Last year, government delays in releasing devolution funds stalled major infrastructure development.
Amid these setbacks, council managed to purchase graders, tractors, and service vehicles using internal resources.
Gweru continues to grapple with crumbling roads and mounting debts, challenges that have long undermined service delivery, but the 2026 budget marks a determined effort to restore essential services and invest in the city’s future.
