By George Mponda

Karonga November 12, Mana: Participants of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) in Karonga have asked for an increase in the number of paid participants engaged in the programme to scale up conservation efforts.

The participants made the call Monday during a media tour to appreciate the programme’s achievements and impact of conservation works on the local environment in Sanambe and Iponga Catchments.

Speaking with Malawi News Agency (MANA), Catchment Management Chairperson for Chikutu in Senior Chief Kilupula's area, Blessed Mvula, said their catchment has 500 participants but there are many who would like to join.

Mvula said: "We've been working on various projects, including natural tree regeneration, river bank protection, and gully reclamation. It's exciting to see these efforts bearing fruit. For instance, the Kasantha River, which typically dries up by October, is still flowing.

“The progress we've made, combined with the wages we receive, has sparked interest from many others who want to join the programme."

John Mkandawire a Foreman from Sanambe Catchment in Senior Chief Mwirang'ombe's area echoed Mvula's sentiments saying communities have realised the benefits of the programme and they want to be part of it.

"Our catchment has 1,600 participants but the area is very large with lots of people who can lend a hand in the conservation works as well as benefit from the K48,000 in wages which we receive and in the process our area will also be developing," said Mkandawire.

CS-EPWP District Programme Facilitator for Karonga, Austin Kafere, urged community members who are not enrolled in the programme to take part in the works which are instrumental in conserving their areas.

"Although some community members are not under the CS-EPWP, government is also implementing other interventions like the Social Cash Transfer Programme which has also enrolled other beneficiaries. However, the works being done under CS-EPWP are very important, therefore everyone should be taking part inorder to increase its impact," Kafere said.

CSEPWP is a government initiative under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project implemented by National Local Government Finance Committee with financial support from the Multi-Donor Trust Fund and the World Bank.