Tongogara RDC unveils 2019 budget

TONGOGARA Rural District Council has proposed a $2,5 million budget for 2019 which prioritises provision of potable water and roads rehabilitation.

Tongogara RDC chief executive Mr Brian Rufasha said the council has come up with a programme-based budget of $2,5 million up from $1,9 million.

He said the proposed budget was now awaiting approval by the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.

“Our budget outlines specific projects, which are achievable and will focus mainly on the provision of potable water,” said Mr Rufasha.

“In terms of rural developing, we are going to drill a new borehole in each of the 24 wards.

“Potable water remains a major challenge for our people as most boreholes are currently not functional.”

Mr Rufasha said the budget prioritised rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, adding that the local authority was planning to tar two kilometres along the Tongogara-Chachacha Growth Point road.

“On road infrastructure maintenance, gravelling and grading will continue,” he said. “Tarring of Tongogara-Chachacha Growth Point road is a long-term project, but we have earmarked two kilometres for 2019.”

Mr Rufasha said the growth point expansion projects will affect both Tongogara and Chachacha growth points through the unveiling of more residential and industrial stands.

“We will also spruce up roads in the residential areas at our two growth points as we have already embraced the national growth point expansion drive,” he said.

Mr Rufasha said council had identified new revenue sources through the registration of 55 small-scale miners operating in the district.

“In terms of revenue generation we have not increased any rates and tariffs for residents but we have identified 55 small-scale miners who have not been registered and will start paying council levies next year,” he said.