Harare Unveils Monumental $818M Budget to Revolutionize Water, Roads & Services in Zimbabwe!

The City of Harare has unveiled a substantial proposed budget of US$818.3 million for the year 2027, with a primary focus on addressing the long-standing challenges in service delivery across the capital. A significant portion of this ambitious spending plan, nearly half, has been specifically earmarked for water and sanitation initiatives, underscoring the local authority's commitment to tackle critical public health and welfare issues.

Councillor Jubilation Shoko, Chairperson of the Finance and Development Committee, presented the budget to the council, emphasizing that its credibility lies in its capacity to translate financial allocations into tangible, measurable, and sustainable improvements in the lives of Harare's residents. Water and sanitation indeed receive the largest share, totaling US$369.5 million, which accounts for 45.16 percent of the entire proposed budget.

This heavy allocation towards water and sanitation is a direct response to persistent complaints from residents regarding unreliable water supplies, deteriorating sewer infrastructure, and inadequate access to essential municipal services. The council intends to utilize these funds to replace ageing infrastructure, enhance water treatment facilities, and bolster the reliability of water supplies throughout the capital. Councillor Shoko stressed the urgency of these interventions, particularly in critical areas impacting public health and residents' welfare, citing the preceding year as a stark reminder of these challenges.

Beyond water and sanitation, other vital sectors have also received significant allocations. Social services are set to receive US$146.75 million, while US$110.34 million will be directed towards roads and infrastructure. Public safety and security are allocated US$55.13 million. Road rehabilitation, in particular, is highlighted as a major priority, given that over 2,000 kilometres of roads are reportedly in poor condition. The proposed budget dedicates US$82.8 million specifically for road rehabilitation, representing 75 percent of the total road programme allocation, aiming to significantly improve the city's deteriorating road network.

However, the proposed budget also introduces potential increases in municipal health tariffs, which could lead to higher healthcare costs for residents. Adult clinic consultation fees are projected to rise from US$5 to US$7, and children's clinic fees from US$3 to US$5. Adult hospital consultation fees may increase from US$20 to US$30, with children's hospital fees moving from US$10 to US$20. Maternity fees are also proposed to go up from US$25 to US$30. The council justifies these adjustments as necessary to meet the operational costs of its health facilities, ensure the continued availability of medicines, and maintain primary healthcare delivery in compliance with WHO standards.

To finance this ambitious spending programme, the City of Harare projects to generate US$599.5 million in internally generated revenue for 2027. Key revenue streams are expected to include property rates, water services, wastewater management, and refuse collection. Nevertheless, poor revenue collection remains a significant hurdle to the city's service delivery aspirations. Councillor Shoko disclosed that the council's average revenue collection efficiency stood at merely 58 percent as of September 30, 2026, a level deemed insufficient to meet operational and service delivery demands.

Councillor Shoko reiterated that the 2027 budget aims to build upon existing interventions, address outstanding infrastructure deficiencies, and accelerate the delivery of improved municipal services to residents. The proposed budget now awaits consideration and approval by the council, with its eventual implementation expected to be closely monitored by residents eager for tangible improvements in water availability, sanitation, road maintenance, and other essential services.