By Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, August 2, Mana: Communities in Salima district have described environmental restorative efforts being implemented by the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSPWP) as life changing.

Speaking to Malawi News Agency (MANA) on Thursday, a participant of the programme from the area of Senior Chief Kambalame, Hassan Phiri, said he has been in the programme for four cycles since 2022 and fruits of the work are now seen as most bare grounds are now covered by vegetation.

Phiri said for the past four cycles they have been focusing on swale construction, ridge realignment, stone bunds as well as natural tree regeneration to tackle climatic challenges such as soil erosion, low crop production and deforestation, among others.

"I have been in this area for the past 20 years and I can attest that I have seen different projects being implemented on environmental restoration but have not seen a project of this magnitude, with diverse interventions targeting different environmental issues," he said.

Another community member from the area of Senior Chief Kambwiri said, as a community, they have united to restore soil fertility in their area which has seen severe disasters in the past years due to runoff of water.

"Our crop production has dwindled, we have lost property due to floods, this has been a driving force for us to upscale interventions that are aimed at restoring our environment, we need to have our fertile soil back and enjoy bumper harvests. We are hoping that it is possible through the programme," he said.

Desk Officer for CSPWP in the district, who is also the Land Resource Officer, Gift Majawa, said Salima has made significant strides in implementing the programme because communities continue showing their commitment.

"We now have 18 catchments and it is pleasing to note that all the catchments are finalizing implementation of projects in good time. In all the projects, we have been successful in contouring, walleye construction, developing infiltration pits, tree planting, including manure making," he said.

Majawa said in most catchments, the work will upscale so that floods that affect the district may be prevented and provide immediate and long-term benefits to the community.

The public works initiative is being implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee with support from the World Bank and Multi-Donor Trust Fund.