National News

Blantyre District tipped on revenue generation

National Local Government Finance Committee has advised Blantyre District Council to diversify its sources of revenue through enhancing property rates.

Property rates are taxes levied on property and the council uses such revenue to fund services for communities.

Speaking on Friday when Blantyre District Council presented its 2025/26 budget estimates for review, the committee’s executive director Kondwani Santhe said the Local Government Act prescribes the sources of revenue for local authorities, which include on-source revenue such as market fees, business licences and property rates.

He said: “You will note that in Malawi, city councils have been levying property rates. However, no provision denies district councils the same opportunity for sustainable financing.

“We, therefore, encourage councils, including Blantyre District, to explore other areas other than market fees and business licences that can boost their revenue generation and this should be property rates because this is another big revenue source for district councils.”

Santhe said property rates exercise should start in the 2025/26 financial year.

He then commended Blantyre District Council for presenting its K44 billion draft budget for the 2025/26 financial year for technical review.

Blantyre district commissioner Alex Mdooko said the council appreciates the guidance the committee provided during the budget session.

He said the council was geared to embark on property rates exercise, starting with Mpemba and later extending to Lunzu.

“We have always thought of piloting property rates and to make this a success, we shall learn more from Zomba City Council that has already started the exercise,” said Mdooko.

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