Zomba CSOs conduct budget trainings

Zomba City Council (ZCC) had urged its residents to embrace the culture of paying city rates so that the council should effectively provide the desired services.

ZCC director of planning and development Fred Nakuyu made the call on Thursday during the civil society network budget training which was held at St George’s Anglican Church Hall in the old capital city.

The training aimed at equipping the wards and market leaders on how they can make and understand the budget which can assist the council to come up with budgets that can meet the needs of the people.

“You may recall that for a long time the city has encountered various challenges such as defaults in payment of city rates and revenues by residents, a development that slowed down effective operations of the council.

“With this training, we would expect to see changes because you have been trained and remember to reach out to others with the message so that we move together in developing the city,” said Nankuyu.

One of the participants White Mwambo, hailed the training saying it has helped to bring closer various stakeholders for the betterment of the city.

“This workshop is very beneficial because it has bridged the gap which existed between the residents and officials of the city. The city will now be able to collect more revenue for other developments,” he said.

The training drew participants from Masongola, Chilunga and Chinamwali Wards, Mpondabwino and Mpunga markets within the city.