By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, September 19, Mana: As the Climate Smart Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) transitions into a continuous mode of implementation, participants have geared up for the implementation by doing community contribution activities.

Initially, CSEPWP was implemented in a partially planned three cycles of 24 days with breaks in between but now councils will continuously implement four phases of 30 days adding to 120 days.

A visit to some of the 25 catchments in the district, on Wednesday, revealed that participants have done community contribution activities which is a requirement in the programme before they work on the 30 paid days.

According to the designated Desk Officer for Katchato Catchment, Kephas Chakhumbula, people were enthusiastic to do the self-development works for free before starting paid activities under the programme.

“There are several activities under community contribution like road maintenance and rehabilitation and tree nursery establishment that they are doing here,” said Chakhumbula.

As part of community contribution, the participants can do road maintenance and rehabilitation, establish nurseries for tree or vetiver grass, and also make manure.

Mchinji CSEPWP Desk Officer Rhoda Njikho said CSEPWP has progressed well in the district with the catchments’ community contribution works being implemented.

“The participants worked for 10 days as community contribution and this will be preceded by paid 30 days.

“Participants will prioritise on construction of soil, water harvesting structures and tree planting during the continuous implementation of CSEPWP,” Njikho said.

CSEPWP is a component of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Programme (SSRLP Tidzidalire) a government programme implemented through NLGFC and supported by the World Bank and the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund.