The Isoka Town Council has commenced consultations on the proposed 2026 budget alongside a review of the 2025 budget performance.
Council Public Relations Officer, Peter Sichali, said it is important that the community understands how the council is performing and what needs to be addressed moving forward.
Mr Sichali was speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting where the local authority presented key achievements and challenges recorded in the 2025 financial year.
He said the review highlighted progress in infrastructure development, social services and economic empowerment programmes.
“This platform allows us to give a clear account of what has been achieved this year and to outline our priorities as we prepare for 2026,” he said.
He added that stakeholders made several submissions under the Zambia Devolution Support Programme (ZDSP) for possible inclusion in the 2026 budget.
“Stakeholders proposed improved water reticulation to deal with persistent shortages, the procurement of a fire tender to strengthen emergency response, and the installation of streetlights from the Government Rest House stretch to enhance security,” he noted.
Mr Sichali has since reaffirmed the council’s commitment to participatory governance, noting that the contributions gathered would guide the upcoming budget formulation.
“The 2026 budget will reflect community priorities and align with national development objectives,” he stated.
And one of the businessmen in Isoka district, Bernard Simukoko, who attended the meeting, commended the council for creating an open platform for dialogue, saying such engagements help strengthen accountability and collaboration.
“Meetings like this allow us to openly highlight gaps and weaknesses without pointing fingers. It is only by acknowledging these flaws together that we can find practical solutions and build a stronger community,” he explained.
The meeting attracted representatives from the business community, traditional leadership, the church, civil society organisations, government departments and other community groups.
