Zvimba Rural District Council has presented a US$24 million budget for 2026 laying out an ambitious plan to improve basic services and fast-track the districtās long-term development agenda despite persistent financial setbacks. Speaking in Murombedzi recently, Finance Committee chairperson Ephraim Gonzo said the councilās priorities for the coming year include expanding access to safe drinking water, upgrading roads and strengthening health and education infrastructure. He acknowledged that the councilās operations continue to be strained by mounting debts largely driven by economic hardships that have left many residents struggling to pay their rates.
The council has intensified its debt recovery programme in response. āCash constraints among our ratepayers have contributed to the rise in outstanding debts. Council has had to strengthen re-engagement with debtors and issue demand letters to ensure service delivery is funded,ā he said.
According to the councilās 2025 financial performance report, the Land Development Levy contributed the largest share of revenue at ZWG55.7 million (26%). However, council officials warned that operations this year were hampered by underfunding particularly the failure to receive expected Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfers and ZINARA grants. The shortfall delayed project completion and hindered progress on planned development programmes pressures that may persist as the council enters the new financial year.
