Zomba District embarks on projects for revenue

Zomba District Council has embarked on projects to boost its revenue collection under District Development Fund (DDF) and other contingent funds.

The projects, which include a bus depot at Thondwe Trading Centre, a market at Songani Trading Centre and lodges at Bwaila, are expected to add about 35 percent of revenue to the council’s coffers.

In an interview, Zomba district commissioner (DC) Raphael Piringu said the district has been struggling to pay its direct employees due to insufficient funds.

The DC said the council expects revenue generation of about K100 million per year compared to the current K58 million.

He said: “As you might be aware, councils have been encouraged to be innovative in coming up with projects that will improve revenue generation.

“As Zomba District Council, we have chosen to construct markets, lodges and a bus depot, knowing they can generate revenue quickly.”

Piringu has since expressed satisfaction with the progress of the construction works. He assured that before the end of this year, some of the facilities will have been completed.

On her part, Local

 Government Services director Malango Botomani said she was impressed with the projects, saying government wants councils to be self-reliant.

“The council should continue engaging community members on projects’ implementation to lessen challenges once they are completed because in some councils people have refused to utilise the facilities just because they were not involved in project implementation,” she said.

Zomba Malosa legislator Grace Kwelepeta commended the council for constructing a market at Songani, saying it will benefit people of the area. The market will have 40 shops with other facilities, including toilets and slaughter house while Thondwe Bus Depot will have 32 trading rooms.