Dowa District Council Approves K38.4bn Annual Budget
Most proposed constituency development fund projects will target rural areas to address community concerns.
DOWA, Malawi— The Dowa District Council on Thursday approved a K38.4 billion annual budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year during its Full Council Meeting, writes Rabecca Kaunda Mwafulirwa.
Finance Committee Chairperson Martin Luka said the K38,476,413,793 budget will draw funding from multiple sources, including central government transfers, locally generated revenue, government-enabled service delivery (GESD), and donor funds.
"Among the projected programs in the budget are rehabilitation and construction of classroom blocks, teachers' houses, health facilities, construction of market toilets at Maweru and Mkukula, construction of bridges, and waste management facilities, among others," Luka said.
The council plans to intensify revenue collection campaigns to address public understanding gaps regarding council payments.
Officials aim to collect K735.9 million in local revenue during the 2025/26 fiscal year.
Luka noted that in the previous fiscal year, the council had collected 82% of its K571 million target revenue by December 2024, exceeding projections of 72%.
Traditional Authority Mponela expressed satisfaction with the budget, stating it demonstrates equitable distribution of funds throughout the district based on community needs.
Luka urged community leaders to prioritize development over political considerations to advance district improvement initiatives.
Most proposed constituency development fund projects will target rural areas to address community concerns.