The City of Bulawayo has announced plans to borrow more than US$13 million to finance a range of capital projects, including information and communication technology (ICT) upgrades, water and sanitation infrastructure, roads, and solar energy initiatives.
In a public notice issued in terms of Section 290 of the Urban Councils Act, the local authority said it intends to borrow US$13,162,358, equivalent to ZWG335,640,129, subject to approval by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works.
According to the notice, the largest share of the proposed borrowing, US$3,034,076, has been earmarked for ICT equipment and accessories. This allocation exceeds the amount set aside for several traditional infrastructure projects, including roads.
The proposed expenditure breakdown is as follows:
ICT Equipment and Accessories – US$3,034,076
Equipment and Vehicles – US$2,653,282
Water Infrastructure – US$2,480,000
Sanitation Infrastructure – US$2,050,000
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Roads – US$2,005,000
Solar Projects – US$600,000
Buildings – US$340,000
The allocation means the city plans to spend approximately US$1 million more on ICT equipment and accessories than on road infrastructure, a distribution that has attracted attention given the ongoing concerns over the condition of roads and service delivery challenges in the city.
The council said the borrowed funds would be used to finance capital projects aimed at improving municipal operations and infrastructure.
Residents and ratepayers wishing to obtain further details about the proposed projects have been advised that information is available from the Finance Director's office at the Tower Block on Leopold Takawira Avenue during normal business hours.
The notice also provides an opportunity for objections. Any ratepayer or voter who wishes to oppose the proposal must submit their objection in writing to the Town Clerk or deliver it to the Town Clerk's Reception at City Hall Municipal Buildings in Bulawayo by 13 July 2026.
The borrowing proposal will proceed subject to the necessary approvals from central government authorities.
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