The Chobe District Council has sanctioned a total recurrent budget exceeding P106 million for the fiscal year 2024/2025.

During a Special Full Council session held in Kasane on Monday, Councillor Baboloki Mpebe, chairperson of the Finance and Works Committee, disclosed that revenue support grant amounted to P97,702,470, while an estimated income of P8,494,845 was projected from internal sources.

Mpebe highlighted that this year's recurrent budget witnessed a 16% rise compared to the previous year, attributed to annual incremental creep and a potential five percent salary adjustment. He further noted that the increment was influenced by terminal benefits for councillors and personal emoluments, anticipating an increase in the number of councillors by two members in Chobe.

Regarding the breakdown, Mpebe outlined that P66,365,380 was allocated for salaries, wages, and allowances, P3,782,310 for members' allowances, and P4,293,440 for members' terminal benefits. As for the development budget, the council greenlit over P30 million for the fiscal year 2024/25.

The allocated funds are earmarked for crucial initiatives such as destitute housing, Constituency Community Project, and the Ipelegeng Programme. Additionally, funds were set aside for upgrading some customary courts to Type Grade Two, including the carry-over project of Kachikau Customary Court.

Mpebe emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts to enhance the efficiency of spending and financing council activities. He urged the community of Chobe to consistently pay for the services provided by the council, underlining the significance of revenue collection to supplement the support grant. "We must unite and bolster the implementation of existing revenue collection strategies and introduce new measures to expand the revenue base," remarked Mpebe. These measures encompass reviewing council fees such as advertising and market stall fees to align them with market rates.

Chimney Mululwani, chairperson of the Chobe District Council, urged financial prudence in project implementation. He reminded implementing departments to avert project cost overruns and ensure that funds directly benefit local communities. Mululwani cautioned against subjective practices with the newly introduced local per diem, advising officers to refrain from unnecessary trips to claim it.