The Council has approved three strategic resolutions aimed at enhancing revenue collection, optimizing asset utilization, and completing critical infrastructure projects during its Fourth Ordinary Council Meeting held at the Council Chamber on 30th December.
The Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Council and the Zambia Revenue Authority to improve access to and utilization of taxpayers’ databases, strengthening revenue collection mechanisms. Under the MoU, the parties will share relevant taxpayers’ and property-related information, including data on property ownership, land rent, rental income tax, property transfer tax, valuation records, and spatial data. This initiative is designed to improve accuracy, coordination, and accountability in revenue management.
The agreement provides for controlled access to databases and information systems in line with applicable laws and regulations governing data protection and confidentiality. The parties will also collaborate in integrating their systems to enhance transparency, operational efficiency, and compliance measures. This collaboration will significantly enhance own-source revenue collection for both government institutions and local authorities by enabling access to comprehensive taxpayers’ and property-related information, thereby contributing to improved service delivery and sustainable local development.
In a move to reduce operational costs, the Council approved the hiring out of earth-moving equipment when not in use. The equipment—comprising a tipper truck, excavator, roller compactor, and water bowser—was procured through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and is operated by officers currently on the Council payroll. The decision aims to mitigate the rising wage bill associated with the employment of equipment operators. Council Management emphasized that the equipment will only be hired out after all Council and community needs have been fully addressed, ensuring that service delivery to residents remains the top priority.
The Council has also allocated K154,500.00 to complete the remaining rehabilitation works at Nyika Motel, where 90 percent of the project has already been completed. The approved funds will ensure the outstanding works are finalized, paving the way for the motel to become fully operational. Once completed, the facility is expected to significantly contribute to increased revenue generation for the Council, supporting the institution’s broader financial sustainability objectives.
These three resolutions demonstrate the Council’s commitment to innovative revenue enhancement strategies, efficient asset management, and the completion of income-generating infrastructure projects.