By Burnett Munthali
Zomba District Council has unveiled an ambitious draft budget proposal of K47.2 billion for the 2025/26 fiscal year, marking a significant increase from the K35.4 billion budget allocated for the 2024/25 fiscal period. The proposed budget, which was presented during a budget review and hearing session in Blantyre, now awaits the final ceilings from the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) and subsequent approval by the full council.
The council’s Director of Finance, Ellen Kayira, attributed the increased budget to anticipated enhanced disbursements from key developmental projects. These include the Regional Climate and Resilient Project, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project. According to Kayira, these initiatives are expected to drive significant improvements in service delivery and infrastructure development across the district.
Breaking down the budget, Kayira disclosed that K2.6 billion has been allocated for Other Recurrent Transactions (ORT), which includes administrative expenses and operational costs necessary for the council’s daily activities. The Constituency Development Fund, which supports grassroots development projects, has been allocated K1.8 billion, reflecting the council’s commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and community initiatives.
Additionally, the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project has been allocated K1.42 billion. This project aims to strengthen governance and public sector management, enabling more efficient delivery of services to the people of Zomba.
Health infrastructure is also a priority in the proposed budget, with K1.1 billion earmarked for hospital rehabilitations. This allocation is expected to improve healthcare facilities and ensure better service provision for residents. Meanwhile, the largest allocation, K5.3 billion, has been reserved for the Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project. This program aims to address climate change challenges while promoting sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable populations.
Kayira emphasized that the proposed budget aligns with the council’s development priorities and reflects its commitment to addressing critical issues such as climate resilience, healthcare improvement, and community development. She also noted that the budget underscores the importance of partnerships with key stakeholders and donor-funded initiatives in driving local development.
The proposed increase from the previous fiscal year’s budget has been welcomed by some stakeholders as a step in the right direction. However, the final budgetary allocations will depend on ceilings set by the NLGFC and approval by the full council.
As the 2025/26 fiscal year approaches, all eyes will be on Zomba District Council to ensure that the proposed budget translates into tangible improvements in the lives of residents. With enhanced funding for key projects, the council aims to build a more resilient and sustainable future for the district.
