By Admore Mbonda, Kariba
Kariba Municipality has received the green light for its 2026 budget from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, marking a pivotal moment for the local authority as it grapples with escalating demands for enhanced service delivery.
The approval, communicated in a letter dated January 29, 2026, comes with stringent conditions that emphasize the urgency of accountability and effective governance.
The local government’s budget approval is a crucial step forward, yet it is accompanied by specific requirements.
Among these, the municipality must clear its outstanding salary arrears within the first quarter of the year and fully utilize the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system to boost revenue generation and collection.
Mayor Nyasha Ralph Maoneyi expressed cautious optimism about the budget’s approval while underscoring the need for compliance.
“The approval of the 2026 budget represents a significant milestone for Kariba Municipality as a tourist destination. However, it comes with clear conditions that we must meet, particularly concerning the settlement of salary arrears and the enhancement of our revenue collection systems,” said Mayor Maoneyi.
He assured residents that the council is committed to translating the budget into tangible benefits.
The residents of Kariba have responded with a mix of hope and skepticism, emphasizing that budget approval must lead to visible improvements in daily life.
Sumson Coffee, Public Relations Officer for the Kariba Urban Residents Association, articulated these concerns, insisting that past budget approvals have not always led to meaningful action.
“Residents want to see better roads, a consistent water supply, and effective refuse collection, not just a series of numbers on paper,” he remarked.
Samu Mawawo, Chairperson of the Kariba Incorporated Area Residents Ratepayers Association, echoed this sentiment, stating that the Ministry’s conditions should serve as a framework for restoring accountability within the council.
“The Ministry’s directives are very clear, and we, as residents, will be vigilant. Meeting these expectations should ultimately enhance our services,” Mawawo stated. He called for regular updates from the council on the budget’s implementation progress.
The Ministry plans to monitor adherence to the stipulated conditions and broader governance issues on a quarterly basis throughout 2026. This scrutiny aims to ensure that the budget’s approval translates into improved service delivery, a critical area of concern for residents.
As Kariba Municipality navigates this complex landscape, it finds itself at a crossroads—balancing the need for financial stability with the pressing demands for better services.
The next steps taken by both the council and the community will be crucial in determining the future of service delivery in Kariba.
The Kariba Municipality is set to purchase a motorized grader and a TLB in the first quarter to improve service delivery.
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