By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, May 21, Mana: Government has disbursed K1.5 billion to 14,080 poor and labour-constrained families in Kasungu District as part of the Social Cash Transfer Programme covering the period from November 2024 to May 2025.

The funds, ranging from K60,000 to K241,500 per household, targeted newly enrolled beneficiaries following a retargeting exercise conducted last year to recruit new households and graduate others from the programme.

Receiving her money during a pay parade on Tuesday, one of the beneficiaries, Jessie Phiri from Traditional Authority Mwase, said she would use the money to start a business and acquire household assets.

“This money is enough to start a meaningful business venture and will go a long way in helping me buy essential items such as livestock for my family.

“We did not harvest enough maize for food as a family, so we also plan to use part of the money to buy maize to help us survive during the lean months,” Phiri said.

Another beneficiary, Wezi Banda, expressed gratitude to government saying while she waited for a long period, the money has accumulated to a significant figure that will help her invest in a village saving and loan group.  

Social Welfare Officer for Kasungu District, Raphael Chitete, urged the new beneficiaries to use the money for its intended purpose to enable them improve their nutrition, which is essential for their health and well-being.

“We are confident that the programme is meeting its objectives of supporting the most vulnerable households in the district, providing them with a regular income to meet their basic needs including supporting children in school.

“Specifically, we can attest to the fact that there is a change in the nutritional status of beneficiary households because of the wealth creation made possible with investing the money they receive under this initiative,” Chitete said.

He said the social protection initiative has been instrumental in improving the lives of thousands of families in Kasungu, enabling them to access essential services and invest in their future.

Kasungu District has a total of 19,300 beneficiary households under the Social Cash Transfers Programme which is supported by the World Bank and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund.