Zomba Hikes Market Fees to Meet 2024 Budget
Archangel Bakolo, the council's CEO, stressed the importance of working closely with stakeholders like the business community.
ZOMBA, Malawi - The Zomba city council has announced an adjustment to market fees starting April 1, 2024 to help meet its estimated K1.6 billion budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, officials said, writes Peter Davieson.
The fee adjustment to K300 per ticket was made after engagement meetings between the council and business stakeholders to review revenue performance, said James Mafunga, Zomba's finance director.
"We exist because of these people so we conduct such meetings to take stock of how we've performed," Mafunga said.
Mafunga said the 1.6 billion kwacha target is achievable through citizen engagement and other strategies.
"It's crucial we meet the 2024 budget to keep Zomba running smoothly," Mafunga said.
Archangel Bakolo, the council's CEO, stressed the importance of working closely with stakeholders like the business community.
"There will always be challenges, that's why we exist as a council to listen and find solutions," Bakolo said.
Dan Phiri, chairman of the Zomba business interest group, said the meetings help shape understanding of market issues and foster development.
"The fee hike is welcomed as we hope for better service and a better city," Phiri said.
"We need to do our part."
The estimated 1.6 billion kwacha budget will help design, construct and maintain roads, build shelters at markets and more, Mafunga said.