By Maria Tembo
Ntchisi, June 25, Mana: Some elderly beneficiaries of government’s Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP) in Senior Chief Kasakula and Chikho in Ntchisi have applauded the programme, saying it is improving their everyday livelihood.
Speaking in an interview during a media tour Sunday, Mary Goma, 72, from Chiwoza village, Senior Chief Kasakula, said through the programme she has managed to buy goats and has built a house.
She said she could barely afford a basic need before she got signed up for the programme.
“I would like to advice those that are on the programme to use the money received wisely. I also want to thank the government for the programme as it is helping many poor Malawians like myself,” she said.
Another beneficiary 78-year-old Jenipher Sanjeni of Chanje village in Senior Chief Kasakula, said through the programme she can now take care of her six children as it was very hard for her in the past years.
"The money I received in the first month was MK40, 000 and I used part to buy a goat which has multiplied to eight. I also deposited some money in my village loans and savings account.
"I used the remainder to venture into three small scale businesses; selling bananas, sugarcanes and local flitters. I am able to feed my family through the money I get from my businesses,” said Sanjeni.
Kazipatile Chilowosi 75, from Ndendele Village in Senior Chief Chikho said he has also benefited a lot from the programme, as he is able to pay school fees for his grandchildren, bought goats and chicken through the same.
“I have MK37, 000 in my village and savings account and I believe that this money will help me and my family once I receive my shares,” Chilowozi explained.
The programme is funded by Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund and the World Bank, and is being implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) with the objective of cushioning poverty shocks among the elderly and the ultra-poor.
According to Principle Social Welfare Officer for the district Chimwemwe Manyozo, 7, 625 households are benefitting from the programme in the 51 clusters across the district.
