Chimwendo Banda
Direct funding to district councils from the Central Government has increased from K1 billion per year in 2021 to around K33 billion as of the 2024-25 financial year.
Local Government and National Unity Minister Richard Chimwendo Banda revealed this in his address to delegates to the 19th Local Government Authorities Annual Assembly which was held in Mangochi.
Chimwendo Banda said the increase in funding towards councils was a direct indication that the current administration recognised the importance of rural development.
“As of 2021, only one or two councils were coming out clean after audits but, as of the last financial year, 25 councils out of 35 were clean, leaving out 10 who have minor queries. This is a great improvement,” he said.
In her remarks, Malawi Local Government Association President Esther Sagawa, who is also the Mayor for Lilongwe City, asked their parent ministry to find ways of improving the working relationship between council secretariats and councillors.
“We believe that with the proper and quick orientation of the new councillors [who will be elected in the September 16, 2025 Local Government Election], this challenge can be solved,” she said.
This year’s assembly was sponsored by FHD Bank
