A group of Bulawayo residents has filed formal objections to the city's proposed US$224.7 million budget for 2026, citing high water charges and the council's failure to fully implement tariffs approved by the Local Government ministry earlier this year.
The objections were detailed in a report by the city's finance director, Tennyson Mpunzi, following a public consultation period that ran from October 8 to November 6.
According to the report, 107 objections were received, though many used a standardised format, resulting in 27 unique complaints.
A primary concern among residents was the cost of water, currently set at US$1.43 per kilolitre.
Objections were around the fact that after incorporating an acceptable non-revenue water loss standard of 30%, the cost should be reduced to US$1.04.
They described the proposed tariffs as "excessive, unaffordable and therefore unacceptable."
The residents also claimed that issues raised during the 2025 budget process remained unaddressed.
Notably, hoteliers raised a specific grievance regarding a fixed sewerage charge of US$15 per water closet (toilet), which they said was disproportionately high for businesses like hotels with many rooms.
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"One objection received from a hotel raised an issue on the non-domestic sewerage fixed charge tariff, which was based on the number of water closets," Mpunzi reported.
"By their design hotels and lodges were expected to have toilets per room thus they had a high number of water closets charged.
"For example a hotel with 100 rooms would have more than 100 toilets (water closets).
"The fixed charge was currently US$15 per water closet.
"Council also levied a variable charge for sewerage based on the volume of water consumed."
In response, Mpunzi stated that council had implemented the tariffs negotiated with and approved by the minister in March and April 2025, with one exception.
A proposed 129% increase for central business district non-domestic rates was not applied following stakeholder pushback.
He defended the water cost, explaining that a meeting with stakeholders in May 2025 confirmed the production cost had risen to US$1.51 per kilolitre, and the city's non-revenue water loss currently exceeds the 30% benchmark.
Mpunzi noted that the 2026 proposal largely maintained 2025 tariff levels, which were already reduced during negotiations, resulting in a US$11 million loss in budgeted income.
He emphasised the council's obligation to meet national minimum service level standards, which requires cost-recovery tariffs.
"In order to reach the targets set in the statutory instrument, council should charge cost recovery tariffs and collect not less than 80% of all revenues," he said.
"Furthermore, replacing dilapidated infrastructure and networks required extensive funding.
"By working together with stakeholders council could transform Bulawayo beyond its former glory."
Council resolved to adopt further tariff reductions mandated by the Cabinet, which will cut an additional US$2.2 million from its income.
In a direct response to hoteliers, it recommended introducing a stepped tariff for water closets: US$15 for the first 10, and US$8.50 for each additional one.
As a result of these adjustments, the total 2026 budget is recommended to be reduced from US$224 million to US$220 million.
The rest of the advertised charges and tariffs are proposed to remain unchanged.
