By Yamikani Yapuwa

Thyolo, September 13, Mana: Acting Director of Environment and Natural Resources for Thyolo District Council Mirriam Yona said orienting participants of the Climate Smart Public Works Programme (CSPWP) on Environmental and Social Safeguards needs to be taken seriously, as it is a crucial step towards having an effective and sustainable project.

Yona said this on Thursday on the sidelines of orientation meetings taking place across the 18 catchments where the programme is being implemented in the district.

"The safeguards are essential to ensuring that the projects are not only effective but also sustainable and respectful of the communities and environments in which they are implemented”, said Yona.

Yona noted that adherence to environmental and social safeguards helps prevent unintended harm to natural ecosystems and local communities.

 "We are dealing with climate-smart initiatives that aim to address issues such as soil erosion, deforestation, and water conservation. Without proper knowledge and application of safeguards, these projects could inadvertently cause environmental degradation or disrupt community livelihoods.

"The orientation equips participants with the necessary tools to identify potential risks and implement measures to mitigate them," Yona said.

She stressed that integrating these safeguards is not just a compliance measure but a commitment to sustainable development that benefits all stakeholders.

Furthermore, Yona pointed out that understanding environmental and social safeguards fosters a sense of accountability and responsibility among participants.

"Our goal is to empower communities to take charge of their own development in a way that is environmentally conscious and socially inclusive. By orienting participants on these safeguards, we are ensuring that they are well-prepared to make decisions that protect the environment and respect the social fabric of the communities they serve.

"This not only enhances the effectiveness of the Climate Smart Public Works Programme but also promotes resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change”, she concluded.

The Chairperson for Namileme Catchment Dickson Manyenje described the orientation as important based on past experiences.

“Last cycle, we had instances where people incurred injuries, especially when making stone bunds because they were not adequately prepared or aware of the risks involved.

“This early orientation on environmental and social safeguards is not just about protecting our surroundings, but also about ensuring the safety and well-being of the people involved in these projects," said Manyenje.

He said that by equipping participants with the right knowledge and safety measures from the start, such incidents can be minimised and ensure a smoother, safer implementation of the projects.

He underscored that early education and awareness are key to empowering communities to carry out their work responsibly and safely, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes.

The CSPWP is being implemented in 18 Catchments in the district with funding from the World Bank benefiting close to 20,000 households.