MINISTRY of Finance and National Planning Assistant Director for Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations Desmond Banda, says Output-Based Budgeting (OBB) is critical in shifting public-sector budgeting from inputs and activities towards measurable results. Mr Banda says OBB requires every kwacha of public funds, whether generated through local revenue or received through Government transfers and grants, to be linked […]

MINISTRY of Finance and National Planning Assistant Director for Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations Desmond Banda, says Output-Based Budgeting (OBB) is critical in shifting public-sector budgeting from inputs and activities towards measurable results.

Mr Banda says OBB requires every kwacha of public funds, whether generated through local revenue or received through Government transfers and grants, to be linked to clearly defined outputs and measurable performance indicators.

He stated that the approach will also enhance teamwork among Council departments, improve transparency and strengthen accountability to residents.

Mr Banda said this during the official opening of a five-day capacity-building and orientation workshop for Chilanga Town Council staff on Output-Based Budgeting (OBB), aimed at strengthening capacity among staff in results-oriented planning, budgeting and resource utilisation.

”Chilanga’s priorities such as Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects, public health, road maintenance, solar street lighting, water schemes and infrastructure development, could benefit significantly from clearly defined output targets,” Mr Banda noted.

Chilanga Town Council Public Relations Officer, Luyando Sikazwa explained that the Council will be expected to enhance its capacity to prepare realistic, results-oriented budgets, improve resource allocation and demonstrate tangible outcomes from public funds entrusted to the Council.