By Wongani Mkandawire.
Nkhotakota, August 20, Mana: Beneficiaries of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) in Nkhotakota district, have expressed happiness with the new implementation plan of the programme stating it will accelerate personal development.
Speaking to Malawi News Agency on Monday, Weluzani Jolamu, of Malembo Village in the area of Traditional Authority Mphonde said, the new continuous working of 120 working days will guarantee frequent payment disbursement every 30 days to beneficiaries thereby accelerating their personal development over the long working period.
Jolamu said that in the previous cycles, beneficiaries were working 24 days and getting paid and then waiting for another 30 days before working, while now, they will work for 120 days continuously and be paid every 30 days of that working period creating a consistent source of income for personal development.
Jolamu added that besides the direct cash financial benefit, the works will also benefit their environment as this will enable people to do more work on forest restoration and land conservation which in turn can benefit their farmlands by increasing agricultural output.
Muyotamu Bakali of Kwenda village concurred with Jolamu that CSEPWP has directly impacted their households and is excited with the new implementation as this will mean more benefits for them and their environment.
Bakali commended the programme saying many people are now able to buy fertilizer and realising bumper harvests as a result of soil conservation activities, and better housing resulting from funds earned from the programme.
Lands and Resources Officer for Nkhotakota Arthur Chiwayula said his office is prepared to work hand in hand with the communities to make sure the implementation of the new working cycle is successful and shows fruitful results for the betterment of the communities.
Nkhotakota district has over 17,000 beneficiaries in the World Bank-funded programme that is being implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC).
