The Sunday News
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Plumtree Correspondent
BULILIMA Rural District Council last year collected 23 percent of their projected $2,5 million budget, resulting in the local authority failing to implement a number of capital projects.
In his report which was was presented on his behalf by Councillor Zoolakes Nyathi during a review meeting last week, council chief executive officer Mr John Brown Ncube said poor cash flows experienced last year had stalled progress of most projects in different wards.
He said council was still owing councillors allowances dating back to past 10 years while workers have not received their salaries for the past seven months.
“The period from January 2016 to December 2017 has been characterised by poor cash flows into council coffers as we managed to collect $617 422 out of an expected $2,5 million. On the developmental front there has been a reduction of momentum in the implementation of community projects in various wards. Salaries for the past seven months are still outstanding. Total amount owed for net salaries is $131 773. Outstanding salaries including statutory deductions stand at $489 249,” said Mr Ncube.
He said council debtors amount to $1,3 million while creditors amount to $824 552. He said the council’s main debtors were unit tax payers, development levy and stand rentals. Mr Ncube said resistance from rate payers remained high with some farmers owing council unit tax payments for 2014.
He said despite the financial challenges, community members had managed to implement several projects with the assistance of various stakeholders.
“Gambo Clinic construction was revived with the assistance of the Plumtree Rotary Club, Tokwana Clinic has embarked on the construction of a waiting mother’s shelter. The community is also fund-raising towards installing a piped water system and sewer reticulation. Community members managed to mould about 40 000 bricks for construction of staff cottages. At Himago Secondary School community members have roofed two classroom blocks,” he said.
The local authority recently presented its $2,5 million budget for 2017 which is awaiting approval by the Government.
The budget is targeting construction of health and education infrastructure and servicing of residential stands.
At least $24 000 has been set aside to cater for health and education infrastructure while $76 600 has been allocated towards financing a council farm project aimed at boosting revenue collection.
The local authority has also allocated significant resources towards the education sector to ensure that orphans get proper education and new schools are constructed to reduce distances travelled by children.
