By Chisomo Kambandanga

Nkhata Bay, January 13, Mana: District Commissioner for Nkhata Bay, Rodgers Newa has advised participants in Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSE-PWP) to present their national identity cards (ID) if they are to be receiving their wages during pay parades.

Newa made the remarks on Saturday during monitoring visits of the participants’ pay parade at Kavuzi in the area of Traditional Authority Thula in the district.

According to Newa, the presentation of IDs ensures that payments are made to legitimate participants.

“Presentation of IDs during wage payments is non-negotiable as it is one of the requirements of the programme to prevent fraudulent activities and guarantee that payments are made to the intended recipients,” said Newa.

He added most of the issues which are experienced during pay parades are related to IDs as some participants fail to produce them alleging their IDs were either lost or forgotten at home.

"Let me therefore urge all foremen and other frontline workers to assist participants in resolving such issues before payday.  National Registration Bureau (NRB) at Nkhata Bay is always open,” he said.

In his remarks, Foreman for Kavuzi Catchment, Robert Nyirenda pledged that his team will ensure that ID-related issues are resolved for the smooth implementation of the program.

Village Head Wazathu said that the program has helped the participants with start-up capital for small-scale businesses, hence reducing forest destruction for charcoal-making Kaning’ina and Kanduli hills.

“People are now investing in environmentally friendly businesses instead of cutting down trees for charcoal among others," said Wazathu.

CSE-PWP is one of the components of the Social Support for Resilience Livelihoods Project implemented by the National Local Government Finance Committee with Funding from the World Bank and Multi-Donor Trust Fund.