Lilongwe council hikes market fees after revenue boost
Lilongwe is among several district councils raising rates to boost revenue collection amid increasing costs. Citizens are calling for accountability on fee usage.
LILONGWE, Malawi — The Lilongwe District Council has increased market fees by 50% and business license costs after collecting 97% of its revenue target for the 2023/24 financial year, writes Alinafe Nyanda.
Director of Finance Charles Mhone said Monday the council collected K836 million against a target of K856 million, representing a 3% increase over last year's 94% collection rate.
Effective April 1, the council has hiked daily market fees from K200 to K300. Businesses will also pay K5,000 for an annual operating license, up 20% from last year.
"We have adjusted fees after looking at the rising cost of services, so we can continue offering better public services in the district," Mhone said.
"We feel we've done pretty well so far."
Mhone said the council has taken strict collection measures such as deploying revenue supervisors, compliance officers and dividing the district into zones to review payments weekly.
However, some resistance to fees persists, which Mhone said requires more public sensitization on the need to pay.
Market vendor Uledi Ng'oma said authorities should first provide amenities like sanitation facilities before hiking rates. He questioned if revenue was being properly utilized to develop markets.
Council Chairperson Dan Mtayamanja warned that those who don't pay fees by June 30 will have their businesses closed. He said the raised levies will help the council improve service delivery.
Lilongwe is among several district councils raising rates to boost revenue collection amid increasing costs.
Citizens are calling for accountability on fee usage.
Great mannn