National
Victoria Falls ratepayers reject council’s proposed 70 percent tariff hike
BY AWAKHIWE KHUMALO
Victoria Falls ratepayers have rejected the city council’s proposed 2023 budget that will see tariffs going up by 70 percent in United States dollars if it is approved.
Ratepayers made their position known during a budget consultative meeting attended mainly by the business community in the city on Friday.
They urged council to take into consideration the fact that the city, which is heavily reliant on the tourism industry, was still trying to recover from the prolonged Covid-19 lockdowns between 2020 and last year.
If the budget is approved, 50 cubic litres of water in high density suburbs will be charged at US$1.07 while in medium density it will cost US1.13 and US$1.35 for low density areas.
Expecting mothers, who are not booked at the council clinics will be required to pay US$40 for services while those with prior books will part with US$14 in what would be a 100 percent increase.
Cemetery fees for adults will be increased from US$8 to US$15 while search fees will go up from US$ 175 to US$250.
Council defended the proposed tariff increases, saying they were mainly driven by the local authority’s failure to recover $500 million it is owed by residents.
Residents, however, implored the city fathers to be sensitive because most residents were struggling to make ends meet and will not afford the proposed tariffs.
“It’s not the council’s fault that residents are not paying the bills,” said a resident.
“The economic situation is not conducive.
“Council will argue that it has to increase the tariffs and burden the people who are able to pay to cover those people who are genuinely vulnerable and that’s pure inequality.”
Another resident added: “Judging from the salaries that most residents are getting, it is going to be difficult.
“So I propose that we put a budget that will be reasonable for these families,who have children to look after.”
The ratepayers were unanimous that a 12.5 percent tariff increase will be reasonable for the city.
The proposed budget will be formally tabled before at the council chambers on Monday.
Other residents expressed displeasure over council’s move to continue to bill them for services it was no longer rendering.
“Why are we paying for services that are not being provided?” one resident queried.
“There are areas that do not have street lights and sewer reticulation, but the residents there are paying for those things.
“We should not pay for services that are not being rendered to us.”
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.
Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on
The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.
Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.
Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.
In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.
Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.
In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.
The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.
Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.
Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1941861569450725776?s=46
Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.
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