KALABO Town Council in Western Province has officially presented its 2025 Output-Based Budget, totaling K142 million, during the 2025 National Budget hearing meetings held in Chongwe District.
This ambitious budget marks a 68 percent increase from the 2024 allocation of K96 million, highlighting the government’s commitment to decentralisation and inclusive socio-economic growth.
This is according to a statement availed to ZANIS by Kalabo Council Public Relations Officer, Benny Munyama.
Mr Munyama said according to Council Director of Finance, Collins Sililo, the K142 million budget focuses on four key pillars: Economic Transformation and Job Creation, Human and Social Development, Environmental Sustainability, and Good Governance.
Mr Sililo observed that the pillars align with the government’s Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and are designed to drive sustainable development and improve the lives of Kalabo residents.
He said the increased budget allocation could be attributed to several factors, including a rise in Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K61.2 million in 2024 to K72 million for the district’s two constituencies, Liuwa and Kalabo Central.
Mr Sililo added that the introduction of the cash for work programme has been allocated K37 million, providing opportunities for residents to engage in productive work and earn a decent income.
He said other notable allocations included devolved functions grants totaling K9.6 million, covering newly devolved sectors like District Fisheries and Livestock, Community Development, Social Welfare, and Agriculture Services.
Mr Sililo noted that the World Bank grant under Zambia Devolution Support Programme (ZDSP) has also contributed K2.7 million to the budget.
He further said the Local Government Equalization Fund (LGEF) allocation of K16.5 million and locally generated revenue estimated at K3.7 million have also boosted the budget.
The presentation was made to a delegation of over 240 people, including officials from various key line ministries and local authorities.
Mr Sililo stated that the 2025 National Budget hearings provided a platform for Kalabo Town Council to engage with stakeholders, align budget priorities with national development objectives and explore innovative approaches to implementing development projects.
“We are committed to ensuring that our budget aligns with the government’s vision for sustainable development and improved livelihoods. We believe that this budget will enable us to drive meaningful change and make a positive impact on the lives of our residents,” he said.
