Blantyre District Council approves K44.6 Billion budget for 2025/2026

The Blantyre District Council has approved a K44.6 billion budget for the 2025/2026 financial year, marking a 1% decrease from the previous year’s K44.7 billion.

The budget focuses on personal emoluments, development projects, and social protection programs, with an increase in donor funding through the Regional Climate Resilience Program (RCRP).

During a full council meeting on Friday, Finance and Audit Committee Chairperson, Councilor Jeremia Jumbe, outlined key budget allocations.

Personal emoluments have been set at K35.1 billion, a 10% increase from K31.8 billion in 2024/2025.

The rise is attributed to adjustments in salaries and allowances, although some council employees have transitioned to central government payroll.

The development budget has more than doubled, surging from K1.6 billion to K3.4 billion, largely due to the introduction of the RCRP.

Significant increases were noted in the Governance and Social Development (GESD) program, which saw a 114% rise, and the council’s own capital contribution, which increased by 439%.

The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and Water Fund allocations remain unchanged.

For social protection, K7.2 billion has been allocated, marking a 26% increase.

The Social Cash Transfer Program remains at K2.1 billion, while the Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Program has grown by 42% due to higher wage allocations.

Administration costs for these programs have also risen significantly.

Finance Director Martha Kabambe reported steady growth in locally generated revenue, with K493.7 million collected by January 2025.

This represents an increase from K459 million in the previous financial year.

Market fees, licenses, and development fees remain the largest revenue sources for the district.

Linjidzi Ward Councillor, Akima Chipwatali, welcomed the budget but urged the government to release funds on time to ensure effective implementation of development projects.

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