By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, February 8, Mana: Beneficiaries of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) have applauded government through the World Bank-supported initiative saying it is helping to restore devastated forests in the district.
The remarks were made during random interviews with some programme participants on Friday when authorities from Dedza district council were wrapping up a pay parade for phase 3 at the Mtakataka area under Senior Chief Kachindamoto in the district.
80-Year-Old Galizio Lifeyo who hails from Kabota Village in the area expressed satisfaction with the initiative saying the involvement of the elderly in making tree nurseries while receiving wages motivates them to help others on how to take care of the environment.
Lifeyo said: "I have received K48, 000 and this money will help my family. My husband died some years back and I live with my grandchildren. The money will therefore help my family buy food in this lean season."
Lifeyo further encouraged young people to cultivate the spirit of taking part in various development initiatives for the benefit of themselves and their communities.
She added: "Dedza is well known for its cold weather but it should be noted that this part of Dedza is always hot and requires proper management of trees that assist in lessening the heat wave."
Elenita Ausesiyo from Maliki village in the same area agreed with Lifeyo saying the money she received would help her support her family as well.
"Making of the swales has helped in controlling running water that has, previously destroyed our ridges. These strategies are protecting the soils from being washed away hence conserving the environment,” she said.
Dedza District Council, project facilitator for the programme, Jocaster Mnemba Khoriyo said the programme aims at transforming people's lives by empowering them to embrace ways of environmental sustainability and at the same time empowering them economically.
CS-EPWP is funded by the World Bank and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund through the National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) to mitigate the effects of climate change while enhancing local livelihoods.
