The Bushmead Waterworks

By Trymore Tagwirei

City of Masvingo has adopted a US$31.94 million budget for the 2026 financial year, with a strong focus on improving service delivery and upgrading key infrastructure.

This was revealed by Finance Director Dunston Jori during a stakeholder engagement meeting organised by the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET).

Jori explained that the bulk of the budget 73 percent will be generated internally, while 27 percent is expected to come from external sources.

“Of the total budget, 73 percent will be generated internally and 27 percent externally. The financial plan is structured to balance operational needs with long-term development priorities,” said Jori.

He said 39 percent of the budget had been allocated to water, sanitation and hygiene; 22 percent to administration, 27 percent to social services, seven percent to roads, and five percent to public safety and security.

The 2026 budget also includes several flagship projects aimed at addressing service delivery challenges and boosting development across the city.

“The budget has flagship projects including US$5.5 million for solar plants at Bushmead Water Works to fight power cuts,” said Jori.

Other key projects include US$740 000 for Water Augmentation Phase Two, US$150 000 for the Mucheke Trunk Sewer project, US$100 000 for Infectious diseases clinic and US$873 000 earmarked for school infrastructure development.

The city allocated US$215 000 towards the establishment of an SME Innovation Hub and equipment, as well as US$270 000 for the procurement of two refuse trucks to enhance waste management services.