Mangochi District Council chairperson Illiyasa Sauzande says the council has introduced an automated ticketing system to boost revenue collection to improve service delivery.
He said the initiative is currently being implemented as a pilot in selected markets and will later be rolled out across the district.
Said Sauzande: “Apart from this initiative, we are also considering upgrading Mangochi District Hospital into a central hospital with paying wards.
“We also plan to construct mini stadiums in Namwera and Monkey Bay to generate revenue as well as build rental houses, among other initiatives.”
He noted that the council currently collects about K200 million annually but aims to increase this to at least K1 billion through the new measures to support development projects and improve service delivery.
Sauzande ex pres sed confidence in the automated ticketing system, describing it as viable and reliable.
“It will enhance revenue collection by eliminating losses, improving transparency and maximising efficiency, which manual systems often compromise due to errors, delays and leakages,” he said.
Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency project officer Jacob Phiri commended the council for the initiative, saying it closes many gaps where money is lost.
“We welcome this system because it reduces leakage and fraud while ensuring full accountability, accurate pricing and billing. This will go a long way in helping the council enhance revenue collection,” he said.
A businessperson Marriam Yusuf at Makawa Market also welcomed the system, saying she is now confident that her market fees will be properly accounted for.
“This system will motivate us to pay taxes because we know the money will go to the council,” she said.
The commitment follows a visit by Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Phiri on January 21 this year where he urged the council to explore alternative revenue sources
