By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, February 2, Mana: District Project Facilitator for SSRLP in Dowa, Kingster Kathumba has said well-informed participants are crucial for the success of the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Program (SSRLP).

He made the remarks on Saturday in an interview following an awareness exercise conducted by the Dowa District Council through the District Information Office. The event to raise awareness of the SSRLP, which is supported by the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC).

Kathumba said the aim of the exercise was to create knowledge of the SSRLP program dubbed Tidzidalire amongst participants, community members and stakeholders.

"We are explaining what the SSRLP is all about, the programs which are there like the Social Cash Transfer and Climate Smart enhanced Public Works Program, how participants are selected under the United Beneficiary Registry (UBR), and the new electronic mode of payment.

"Also, we wanted people to understand how participants are selected into the program, who qualifies, what are the benefits and what are the expectations from participants under the different programs," he said.

He said the exercise strategically targeted centers close to catchments and clusters.

These amongst others include Dowa boma, Mvera, Chezi, Chankhungu in Dowa east, and also centers like Mponela Chimwaza and Mponela in Dowa west.

Kathumba added that the response has so far been quiet overwhelming.

"We are impressed because people had an opportunity to ask questions which indicates the interest people have in these programs. We hope to have other similar activities in the future," he said.

Dowa CS-EPWP Desk Officer, Tammerson Mhone said the exercise also provided a chance to have community discussions on the new continuous implementation of the CS-EPWP, and community contribution towards the project.

Also, to clear myths surrounding payment delays some participants had faced.

The Tidzidalire program is a Malawi government program which is funded by the World Bank and the Social Protection Multi-Donor Trust Fund.