By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, March 19, Mana: The commencement of payment parade for participants in the second cycle of Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) has brought excitement among participants who had endured a long wait for their wages in Mchinji.

The pay parade started on Monday at Nathyola Catchment and will proceed to the remaining 19 catchment areas in the district.

Cecilia Zulu from Tsamphale Village in Traditional Authority (TA) Mlonyeni said she was happy to have finally received her wages saying some of the problems in her household will be solved.

“We are now facing hunger but with this amount I will buy some maize and the remaining amount I will support my daughter’s education who is in standard eight,” said Zulu.

Another participant Francis Mwanza, from Chamveka Village in the same TA, said he was very excited to have received the money and that some of the basic needs for his family will be acquired.

“The feeling is good now that we have received the wages. Despite the money being little I will be able to support my family with some basic needs including food,” said Mwanza.

Mwanza however, said there is need for authorities to consider revising upwards the wages as the K28,800 they get after working for 24 days is not enough now.

Chief accountant for Mchinji Council Fedderick Muyaba said he was impressed with the start of the exercise.

“The exercise has started very well as there are only few problems that are being encountered compared to last cycle where names were missing on the log and pay sheets. This time everything is going on smoothly,” said Muyaba.

On the issue of wages being too low Muyaba said the issue will be presented to central level and he is hopeful it will be considered.

District Commissioner for Mchinji Lucia Chidalengwa led council officials in witnessing the start of the payment parade.

CSEPWP is a component of Social Support for Resilience Livelihood Programme (SSRLP) supported by the World Bank and Social Support Multi Donor Trust Fund.