By Eranivey Temani

Lilongwe, September 04, Mana: The new Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program (CS-EPWP) beneficiaries of Biwi village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Chiseka have been urged to join village bank groups so that they save part of the money for future use.

Speaking on Tuesday at Badwa Primary School, Lilongwe District Council Assistant Community Development Officer Gladys Kalumbi said saving money under Community Savings and Investment Promotion (COMSIP) can assist the beneficiaries when they are hit by some challenges caused by the effects of climate change.

“Money will never be enough, but it takes commitment for one to start saving for future use. We have seen many people achieving their goals after joining village banks, Village Savings Loan (VSLs) and Comsip groups, you too, can do better,” she said.

Kalumbi further urged the beneficiaries to put into good use of any money, which they will receive by among other things starting small-scale businesses, which will later assist them in transforming their livelihood.

One of the new CS-EPWP beneficiaries Christina Bumani of Watison village expressed excitement over COMSIP group formation in her area, saying she has just been hearing of the initiative.

“This is good news to us, as we will be able to save our money and start a revolving loan amongst ourselves, an initiative I am sure will transform our lives,” she said.

Bumani then asked her fellow members to take whatsoever they have learnt seriously, so that they see the benefit of saving culture.

CS-EPWP is a World Bank-funded project and is being implemented by the government through the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) in all 28 districts.