Kasungu District Council says it is optimistic that it will achieve its projected revenue collection of close to K1 billion in the 2026/2027 financial year, expressing confidence in new strategies the council has put in place.

Speaking to Zodiak Online on Sunday, the council’s spokesperson, Wanangwa Tembo, said the council has expanded its revenue sources, citing the paying section at Kasungu District Hospital, which opened in December last year, as a notable example.

Tembo added that the council plans to digitalise its revenue collection system to improve efficiency, accountability and transparency. He also said the council intends to motivate staff through recognition initiatives, and procure motorcycles to ease mobility challenges facing revenue collectors.

"We are confident that through diversifying revenue streams, improving market infrastructure and conducting frequent enforcement campaigns during peak seasons, we will surely achieve the target," he said.

Meanwhile, Kasungu District Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Chairperson, Braxton Banda, has described the K1 billion target as ambitious, while stressing the need for prudent revenue management and balanced expenditure to ensure sustainable community development.

"We welcome the council’s vision to increase revenue, but this must go hand in hand with responsible financial management and inclusive planning. Communities need to see tangible improvements in infrastructure and public services as a result of the increased revenue,” Banda said.

In the 2024/2025 financial year, the council collected K153 million against a projected K161 million, representing 95 percent performance. By mid-year of 2025/2026, it had collected K313 million against K390 million, representing about 80 percent performance.

The K1 billion target for 2026/2027 represents a 156.4 percent increase from the 2025/2026 projection of K390 million.