By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, October 24, Mana: Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) beneficiaries in Nkhata Bay eye transition of manual to electronic payment system of their stipends just like its done in other districts.

In an interview with the Malawi News Agency (Mana), Thursday, during a pay parade at Chihami in the area of Senior Chief Malanda, an elderly lady, Jane Mkandawire, 73, said electronic payment will bring to her comfort and convenience in accessing her monthly stipends.

"At my age, it is challenging to travel long distances to collect my monthly stipends, therefore, I would like to ask authorities to introduce E-payment system so that we get our payment with ease," said Mkandawire.

She added that E-payment system is more preferable over the current cash-based system which she said among others exposes the beneficiaries to robbery.

Another beneficiary, Symon Mphande, 42, who has disability, said E- payment will make it easier for people with disabilities to manage access and manage their finances. It is secure and we can save and invest the money efficiently,” Mphande said.

Chief Social Welfare Officer responsible for Social Cash Transfer Programme in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Chifundo Namchukwa, said plans to introduce E- payment system across all social protection programs are under way.

'We are currently rolling out e-payments in 16 more districts on top of 10 which are already utilizing the facility.

However, Nkhata Bay and Ntchisi districts will early next year pioneer ‘Choice Model’ E-payment approach that allows beneficiaries to select their preferred service provider, “said Namchukwa.

SCTP is a Malawi Government programme which is being implemented across the country through National Local Government Finance Committee with financial support from Multi-Donor Trust Fund and World Bank to cushion the elderly and ultra- poor from economic shocks.