By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, January 12, Mana: Participants in the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) in Mchinji, have commended the programme’s positive progress, highlighting the improved timeliness of wage disbursements.

Unlike in the past, beneficiaries say they no longer have to wait too long to receive their earnings after completing each phase.

Esther Chimangeni, a participant from Wifi Catchment in Traditional Authority (T/A) Pitala, expressed her excitement, saying she received her wages soon after getting her Phase Two payments not long ago.

"I am happy that I have my wages now. The payments are coming on time, unlike before. With this money, I am going to buy food for my family," she said.

Another participant, Emmanuel Bikoko from Nzula Catchment in T/A Zulu, also hailed the efficiency in wage payments, noting that the improved system has brought relief to households.

"This time, the wages have not taken too long to come, and that has helped us. I am going to use part of the money to buy food and some fertiliser to mix with manure for my crops," he said.

Mchinji District Commissioner (DC) Lucia Chidalengwa expressed satisfaction with the overall progress of the programme, saying it has an impact on both environmental conservation and household welfare.

"The programme has helped to take care of the degraded environment and has also helped the people to get something in the form of wages," she said.

CSEPWP is being implemented with support from the World Bank and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF).