By Memory Kutengule Chatonda
Blantyre, June 1, Mana: Blantyre District Commissioner, Alex Mdooko, says the district is on track in implementing the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP), which is aimed at restoring degraded landscapes and improving the livelihoods of communities living in various catchment areas.
Mdooko said this recently in Blantyre during a review meeting of CS-EPWP, which brought together extension workers, designated desk officers and District Environmental Sub-Committee members to assess progress in the implementation of the programme in 15 catchments.
The District Commissioner observed that tangible assets created during CS-EPWP’s execution were commendable and meaningful and commended all key stakeholders for their dedication in the implementation of the programme.
Mdooko however emphasized the need for stakeholders’ collaboration, saying this was a sure way of achieving meaningful impact under the CS-EPWP.
“We have project coordinators, desk officers, and lead persons in place that should consistently share notes and implementation challenges. I expect stakeholders to revisit agreed action points from the quarterly review meetings and assess the progress made,” he said.
The District Commissioner also highlighted that participants recruitment process for all social support programmes, such as the Social Cash Transfer and Public Works, is guided by the Unified Beneficiary Register (UBR), with poverty levels as a key determinant
“Therefore, we must ensure that our implementation processes minimize inclusion and exclusion errors. Proper targeting is critical to reaching the most deserving households,” added Mdooko.
District Project Facilitator for CS-EPWP in Blantyre, Aubrey Jazza, said the programme has so far created visible, durable, and high-quality assets in various catchment areas, which are helping to improve household resilience to shocks, enhance household income, and strengthen food security, among other benefits.
CSEPWP is funded by the World Bank and Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
