By Yankho Kandio

Salima, March 5 Mana: Salima District Council has unveiled a proposed budget of 32.9 billion Kwacha for the 2025/26 fiscal year, reflecting an increase of 8 billion Kwacha from the previous year’s budget.

The budget proposal was presented during a council meeting, on Tuesday and Chairperson for the Finance Committee, Chifungo Katoweka, outlined key allocations and revenue sources.

According to Katoweka, 20 billion has been earmarked for salaries and wages, while K1.7 billion will be directed towards various development activities, including infrastructure projects and social services.

"To finance the budget, the council projects collecting K5 billion in local revenue through taxes, with the remainder expected to come from central government allocations and donor support," he said.

During the meeting, Salima District Commissioner, James Mwenda emphasized the need for council members to thoroughly scrutinize the budget before implementation, ensuring that funds are utilized efficiently and effectively to meet people's needs.

However, concerns were raised by some council members regarding lack of proper consultations on the implementation of certain projects. Councilor for Makanjira ward, Esther Soko in attendance, voiced her dissatisfaction over the issue, stressing that community engagement should be prioritized to enhance transparency and accountability.

In response, District Commissioner Mwenda acknowledged the concerns and assured the council that efforts would be made to improve consultation processes and ensure that development projects reflect the priorities and needs of the local population.

The proposed budget underscores the council’s commitment to improving service delivery and supporting development initiatives. However, financial constraints remain a challenge, with a significant portion of the funding reliant on external sources.

The council is expected to deliberate further on the budget, with a focus on enhancing revenue collection strategies and ensuring equitable distribution of resources across the district.

As the budget discussions continue, stakeholders, including councilors, community leaders, and local residents are expected to engage in further dialogue to ensure that the district’s financial plan aligns with the development aspirations of Salima District.