By Andrew Mkonda

Lilongwe, 5 May, Mana: Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP), commonly known as Mtukula Pakhomo beneficiaries in Lilongwe District have applauded government for introducing the safety net initiative that has assisted them to improve their livelihood.

Lydia Phiri an old woman from Malembo village in the area of Sub-Traditional Authority Malembo, said the wages she receives from the programme has assisted her to pay school fees for her children and find basic needs for the family.

She was speaking on Monday during a supervision exercise of E-payment which was organized by the council aimed at appreciating the achievements and the challenges the beneficiaries are encountering with the new system of receiving their payment.

“I don’t receive much, but I manage to pay school fees for my children, I used to struggle with my family members, but now I am able to support them with basic needs,” she said.

Phiri then urged other beneficiaries to be using the money they get from SCTP for intended purpose so that they become self-reliant financially.

Another beneficiary, James Chikafa from Kasiya village who became a beneficiary of the SCTP in 2018, said she uses most of her money, to keep livestock such as pigs, goats and chicken which later she sales and find money for her family’s needs.

She said very soon she will be venturing into a small business so that it keeps her going as she waits to sell her livestock.

Lilongwe District Social Welfare Officer, Responsible for Social Cash Transfer Programme, Sarah Chimodzi, said it is encouraging that many beneficiaries are able to invest in livestock, such as chicken, goats and pigs.

Chimodzi further said the programme has also assisted in reducing negative risks such as withdrawal of children from school and absenteeism, among others.

The programme in Lilongwe District (SCTP) is being managed by Malawi Government with support from World Bank and targets ultra-poor and labour-constrained households by providing them support in form of cash.

The programme covers 23 Traditional Leaders and has a total number of 29, 512

beneficiaries.