By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, July 9, Mana: The third cycle of the Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) has culminated in the creation of substantial environmental protection assets in Mchinji.

The cycle has seen participants engaged in the construction of check dams, swales, stone bunds, contour marker ridges and the protection of naturally regenerating forests from bushfires, among others.

Chairperson of Wi-Fi Catchment Management Committee, Innocent Mtema, expressed satisfaction with the progress in an interview with Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Tuesday.

"The implementation of the third cycle has gone on well, with participants producing durable assets to protect the environment. These structures have been done on time. We are hopeful that they will help reduce land degradation and soil loss due to water runoff during rainy season,” Mtema said.

The programme's success is echoed by a participant from Kamphoro catchment, Salani Mbewe, who praised the effective supervision by extension workers during implementation.

"The cycle implementation was well done as supervision from extension workers was thorough. Because of their guidance, we were able to come up with proper structures to conserve the environment," Mbewe said.

CSEPWP desk officer for Mchinji, Rhoda Njikho, expressed satisfaction with the implementation emphasising the participants' active involvement and commitment to the project's goals.

"This time, the job has been well implemented. We have good assets on the ground and of good quality. Almost 99 percent of the participants enrolled and worked in both paid and community contribution works," Njikho said. 

The structures built, such as stone bunds, check dams and swales, are crucial in managing water flow, preventing soil erosion and maintaining soil fertility while the protection of naturally regenerating forests from bushfires is vital for preserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable land use.

By involving local communities in constructing and maintaining these assets, the programme not only addresses environmental challenges but also provides economic opportunities as they earn money through wages after a cycle.

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