Struggling Bulawayo Residents Demand Affordable Rates During 2023 Budget Review
Bulawayo residents demand affordability and inclusivity in 2023 budget review, demanding reduced rates, license fees, parking fees, and economic considerations.
This was revealed during the 2023 budget review meeting, held at the council hall recently. Residents cited that the rates are beyond the reach of many and lead to default. They called on the council to be more sensitive to the prevailing economic realities and to have the plight of the people in mind when crafting budgets.
One unidentified resident passionately stated, “We need affordable rates, license fees, and parking fees. We are struggling to pay what is required of us, and that is why we want our budget to be more sensitive to the prevailing economic realities.”
High Rates
The issue of high rates charged by the council was also a point of contention among residents. Addressing this concern, one resident.
Nkosilathi Dube pleaded, “Can our council budget be for the people? We have realized that the budgets set by the council are mostly to maintain a competitive market position. We do understand that there is a need to make money for development, but as residents, we feel choked by the council rates.”
In response to residents’s plea, Acting Town Clerk, Tennyson Mpunzi, sympathized with the residents, explaining the council’s limited options due to the prevailing economic situation.
“We agree that we face the same challenges. They are the ones that make us charge the rates we charge,” he acknowledged. He added, “We do have certain services and departments that are heavily subsidized, so in such cases, we look at the distribution of our resources.”
Applying for Grants
Mpunzi further elaborated, stating, “You will find that in departments such as health, we try to avail resources at minimal costs because these are life-threatening issues.
So, these are some of the matters that we put into consideration. However, in cases where people cannot genuinely afford, they can come to the council directly and apply for grants that will assist them in terms of accessing some services.”
Deputy Mayor, Mlandu Ncube, emphasized the vital importance of considering the wider economy during the budget review, as it directly affects the residents. “Also, what we should accept is that the economy is not doing very well, and if the economy is not doing well, it affects the residents,” noted Ncube. “If the residents are unable to pay because of the situation, the little that council gets is directed to key areas such as water and electricity.”
Budget Review
The budget review highlighted the need for the council to address the challenging economic situation faced by the community. The residents’ demands for affordability and inclusivity were met with acknowledgment and explanations from the council representatives.
Lastly, the hope is that future budgetary decisions will prioritize the well-being and financial capabilities of the citizens, ensuring a more equitable and sustainable future for Bulawayo.
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