By: Andrew Mkonda

Lilongwe, April 28, Mana: Lilongwe District Land Resources Conservation Officer Setrida Mlamba says all is set to increase the beneficiaries in the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CS-EPWP) in this financial year.

Mlamba disclosed the development Saturday during a stakeholders meeting aimed at preparing them to follow the procedures during the registration of new beneficiaries into the programme.

She said government through National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) has increased the number of beneficiaries with 4,812 beneficiaries, bringing it to a total number of 29,440 beneficiaries from 24,628.

Mlamba said the six catchment areas namely Mtambwa Sixpence, Chidokowe, Maselero Mngongonda, Kudwe Kawala and Nyanga have been earmarked for additional beneficiaries because of its vastness.

“Our officers are already on the ground for awareness, assessment and registration of those who are suitable to be added into the programme soon.  We are optimistic that we are going to reach the targeted number very soon,” she said

Speaking in a separate interview, Lilongwe District Council Chairperson Dan Mtayamanja thanked government for adding more beneficiaries into the programme, saying if well implemented many households in the district will be relived from poverty.

“This is a true reflection of prospering together that the president Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has been preaching since he became a president,” he said

Mtayamanja then asked those on CS-EPWP to work hard and use the cash they get for the intended purpose.

“This programme is not only alleviating people from their poverty, but also conserving the environment from being damaged and other natural disasters,” he said

One of the beneficiaries Jenifa Kwamdera thanked the government for the initiative saying many people in rural areas need financial support in order for them to come out from their poverty.

Meanwhile, government has revised upwards the wages of participants of the CS-EPWP from MK1,200 to MK1,600 per day.

This means that participants shall now receive MK38,400 after working for 24 days in each cycle.

CS-EPWP is a government initiative under Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project implemented by National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) with financial support from Multi-Donor Trust Fund and World Bank.