MARTIN MAWAYA
SHURUGWI Town Council (STC) has unveiled an inclusive programme of budget consultations as it moves towards crafting a people centred 2026 financial plan.
The meetings, which kicked off on 8 September, are bringing together a wide spectrum of stakeholders, from residents, vendors, business leaders and faith-based groups to schools, miners, and the disabled.
According to the schedule released by the local authority in possession of The Midweek Watch, the consultations are being held across various venues including the STC boardroom, clinics, schools, and community halls to ensure accessibility and wider participation.
On the opening day, residents’ associations and different categories of vendors held separate sessions, while subsequent meetings catered for groups such as the disabled, the business community, pastors, and gender facilitators.
Ward-based meetings have also been slotted, with Ward 8, 9 and 10 residents converging at Makusha Clinic, Ward 12 at Shurugwi No. 2 High School, and Ward 11 at ZBS Shopping Centre.
Wards 2 and 13 will gather at Sebanga Extension Polyclinic, while Ward 5 residents are scheduled to meet at Selukwe Primary School.
Major mining stakeholders, including ZIMASCO and Unki Mine, have been lined up for dedicated slots, reflecting the sector’s significant role in the local economy.
Youth, junior councillors and workers’ representatives will also contribute their perspectives in the budget.
After the consultations, the Finance Committee will consolidate the inputs on 7 October, before the full council sits on 16 October to adopt the proposed 2026 budget.
The final submission to the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works is set for 31 October.
Speaking to the media recently, Council chairperson Fanuel Machiya said the process underscores the council’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity.
“Our goal is to ensure that the 2026 budget speaks to the needs of the people, and this can only be achieved through engaging every sector of the community,” he said.
The consultations mark a continuation of Shurugwi Town Council’s efforts to promote participatory governance in line with national budgetary guidelines.
