By Leah Malimbasa

Chikwawa, February 23 Mana: Chikwawa District Council on Saturday approved  K45.27 billion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, with K1.39 billion coming from  Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) grant, a performance-based funding initiative rewarding councils for effective governance and service delivery.

Presenting the budget before the full council meeting, Finance Committee Chairperson, Councilor, Khofati Malunga, highlighted key allocations, including K22.96 billion for personal emoluments, K4.63 billion for development projects, K14.97 billion for Social Cash Transfers and Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme, K223 million for the General Resource Fund as K2.22 billion allocated for sector funds, and K276.6 million from locally generated revenue.

“This budget will support infrastructure development in the district and the GESD allocation has increased to K1,387,580,538 for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, up from K687,242,912 in 2024/2025, an increase of K700,337,626,

“I also recommend that government should fund the budget timely. Additionally, we should lobby our parliamentarians for increased funding in all sectors to improve service delivery,” he added.

The GESD grant, earned through the Local Authority Performance Assessment (LAPA), is expected to accelerate development initiatives in the district.

GESD rewards councils based on their performance in financial management, transparency, and project implementation.

Director of Finance, Steven Kanyerere, expressed optimism about the councils ability to implement the budget effectively.

“I am very excited that they have passed the budget. This is a full package of infrastructure development and social services to our people across all sectors and spheres of life,” he said.

The council also committed to enhancing local revenue collection through the implementation of the Local Revenue Enhancement Strategic Plan, ensuring improved service delivery and timely project completion.