The ManicaPost
Post Reporter
RUSAPE Town Council’s quest to achieve set strategic goals is being militated by high risk exposure caused by a static annual budget against increases in prices of essential goods and services.
The council’s liquidity, foreign currency, and operational risks were rated high (red), while the strategic, legal and compliance risks were in green (low). The reputational and credit risks were moderate (yellow).
RTC had Government to thank for releasing $80 million devolution as well as $29 million under the emergency roads rehabilitation programme (ERRP), as the funds enabled them to achieve key deliverables.
Council chairman, Councillor Lyton Sithole, in his 2021 annual report said the high risk has potential to retard development of the town.
“The council, in its quest to achieve targets set in the strategic plan, is faced by various risks that have a potential to retard achievement of those targets. During the year under review council was exposed to the (aforementioned) major risks.
“Despite these economic challenges, council managed to acquire brand new motorised grader, hand-held roller compactor, front-end loader and jaws-of-life (accident rescue equipment),” he said, adding that the local authority has no immediate solution to obtaining water challenges in the town.
“Our water treatment plants, Jackneedum and Town Water Works were constructed in 1972 and 1951, respectively with a lifespan of 25 years, after which upgrading and replacement was supposed to be done cognisant of population growth and ageing infrastructure. Since then, no meaningful works were done, and this has seriously compromised our capacity to supply water to our residents,” he said.
