shloboe boe
Leonard Ncube, leonard.ncube@chronicle.co.zw
VICTORIA Falls City Council has revised its proposed US$22 million budget for 2025 to comply with the Government’s directive to allocate seven percent of the budget to the development of sport and recreational facilities.
This adjustment aligns with the recent mandate for all local authorities to prioritise the rehabilitation of such facilities.
The council’s initial budget, which was submitted to the Government for approval, focused on community empowerment initiatives targeting youth, women, and informal traders. However, the revised budget now incorporates the stipulated allocation for sports and recreation.
Updating councillors during a recent full council meeting, Victoria Falls City finance director Mr Neville Ndlovu, who was acting town clerk, announced that the management had amended the budget and awaited councillors’ resolution.
“With regards to the budget and the need to set aside seven percent for stadia and grassroots sports development, we have amended our budget and are seeking councillors to adopt,” he said.
Ward 2 Councillor, Tafadzva Mutowa, a prominent sports administrator and benefactor, moved a motion to support the amendment, which was seconded by Ward 6 Councillor, Derreck Munsaka.
This move sets the stage for the council to adopt and implement the Government’s resolution.
Residents of Victoria Falls have long called for investment in youth-friendly facilities, including a vocational and training centre. Such facilities, they argue, would promote responsible living, provide access to skills development and contribute to the city’s growth.
Presently, the city lacks standard sports and recreational facilities. Chinotimba Stadium, the only available soccer field, is suitable only for Division One football. Notably, the city hosted two Division One soccer teams this year.
Plans are underway to develop a 10 000-seater cricket stadium in the new Masuwe City, where Zimbabwe Cricket has been allocated land.
The council’s budget is guided by its objective of providing efficient, accessible, and affordable service delivery sustainably.
It is also aligned with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goal of achieving an upper middle-income economy.
Key initiatives in the 2025 budget include allocating gas cubicles to women and unemployed residents, establishing car washing bays for the youth, creating small to medium enterprises (SME) shell shelters and allowing commercial properties to convert to mini-malls.
Despite its ambitious plans, the council faces significant financial challenges.
It is owed over ZiG308 million by residents, which has hampered service delivery. Revenue collection for the year stood at 64 percent of projections.
During the council meeting, councillors expressed concern over the deteriorating state of roads in the city. Ward 9 Councillor, Mthunzi Mpofu highlighted the issue, prompting calls for urgent maintenance.
Proportional Representation Councillor Tariro Mutapwa, noted that residents were frustrated with the poor road conditions, while Ward 4 Councillor Alderman Richard Mguni, stressed the need to prioritise all wards. —@ncubeleon
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
