By Beatrice Bangura

Blantyre, March 29, Mana:  National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) has expressed satisfaction with the progress of Climate Smart-Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) activities in Chilambalale and Linjemesi catchment areas under Traditional Authorities Kapeni and Makata in Blantyre.

This was disclosed Thursday during an inter-district exchange learning visit that included delegations from Lilongwe, Phalombe, and Thyolo.

Speaking during the tour, NLGFC Coordinator of Finance, Henry Hunga, said progress of CS-EPWP in the two catchment areas was impressive as catchment management committees showed a lot of commitment per the NLGFC ongoing assessments.

“We are impressed with what participating communities have done in the catchments. We will continue with the visits across the country,” Hunga added.

Acting Director of Agriculture Services at Thyolo District Council, Mphatso Kafuwa, commended communities at Chilambalale and Linjemesi catchment areas for successfully implementing climate smart agricultural activities and other environmental conservation initiatives under CS-EPWP.

“The two catchments have performed very well, especially in constructing swales, stone bands on top of planting trees. This will help in conserving the environment and help to prevent disasters that occur due to effects of climate change,” Kafuwa added.

Chairperson of Linjemesi catchment management committee at Traditional Authority Makata, Chrissy Yasin, expressed gratitude with the learning tour of the visiting team, saying this was clear testimony of her committee’s dedication in managing CS-EPWP at catchment level.

“We are thankful to Blantyre District Council and our visitors for sparing their time to visit this catchment. This is a special consideration and honour,” she added.

The CS-EPWP aims at enhancing climate resilience among communities through reforestation, sustainable land management, and other nature-based solutions, benefiting both the environment and the local communities.