By Dalitso Kampira
Thyolo, February 26, Mana: Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) in Thyolo is set to improve data accuracy and project monitoring through the Geographical and Environmental Monitoring System (GEMS) portfolio.
This follows orientation session by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) for District Environmental Sub Committee (DEST) members and District Designated Officers to streamline data collection across various catchments in the district where CS-EPWP participants work in sub projects.
Speaking on Tuesday on the sidelines of the session, NLGFC Budget Analyst, Jonathan Banda said equipping DEST members and other council officials with GEMS knowledge and skills will improve tracking and monitoring Social Service Resilient Livelihoods Programme (SSRLP), specifically activities in catchments.
"Our mission was to train council personnel on how to accurately capture project data within catchment areas.
“This will ensure information is readily available on a digital platform and this will also enable development partners such as World Bank to assess progress remotely,” said Banda.
Banda added that integration of GEMS will reduce frequent physical monitoring visits by stakeholders, as they can access real-time data, including images showcasing assets created by CS-EPWP participants in their catchments.
Thyolo District CS-EPWP Desk Officer, Francis Yohane said the orientation was crucial in standardising data collection across catchments.
“This has given us responsibility to gather uniform and high-quality information. With a well-structured system in place, we anticipate improved efficiency and reliability in our reporting," he added.
Extension worker from Lomola Catchment, Traditional Authority Nanseta’s area, Emmanuel Muhekiwa commended NLGFC for the initiative, stating that it will improve project evaluation as it will provide insights into both successes and challenges encountered in different catchments.
The orientation session concluded with a practical exercise at Lomola Catchment, where participants applied their newly acquired data collection skills.
