By Solister Mogha

Zomba, March 8, Mana: Government on Thursday launched Urban Social Cash Transfer Programme that targets ultra-poor households in four cities of Lilongwe, Blantyre, Zomba and Mzuzu to address economic shocks that the ultra-poor face in cities in their daily life.

Minister of Finance, Simplex Chithyola Banda presided over the launch alongside Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza in Zomba

He said government will continue implementing social protection programmes as one way of addressing economic concerns in the urban set up, adding that  government is aware that effects of climate change and rising prices of commodities,.

The minister observed that many Malawians in the cities also are find difficulties to cope with life as the situation is worse for the poor households who require attention through social protection programme such as Urban Social Cash Transfer Programme and others.

“It is the wish of government and the current leadership to support vulnerable households through various social protection programmes. The Urban Social Cash Transfer Programme we are launching today is one of the crucial programmes that aims at uplifting the lives of the ultra-poor and enable them recover from various shocks,” the minister said.

He said the ministry will continue to engage development partners so that they keep supporting Malawi’s social protection programmes for the good of the ultra-poor citizens.

About 105,000 residents in Lilongwe, Blantyre, Zomba and Mzuzu cities will benefit from the programme where each household will receive K150,000.

The minister appealed to beneficiaries to use the cash for intended purposes and further urged them to joining the Village Savings and Loans groups.

Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza   said the Urban Social Cash Transfer Programme answers the prayers of many poor city residents.

She added that some people presumed that those living in cities have sound income base saying that they do deserve any social protection programmes.

Sendeza said this is not true, adding every poor Malawians deserve social protection.

“Government wants every deserving Malawians to be included in various social protection programmes regardless of region, tribe and political affiliation. People in cities are also affected by shocks and this is the reason why we have started the Urban Social Cash Transfer Programme,” the minister said, adding that the support will help women to venture into small scale businesses to improve household income.

World Bank, Country Director, Hugh Ridell assured government, saying the bank will continue supporting the country in implementing social protection programmes.