Community hails enhanced public works programme

Kaseye Catchment Management Committee in Chitipa has commended National Local Government Finance Committee for involving them in the implementation of natural resources conservation projects under the Enhance Public Works Programme.

In an interview on Monday, the committee’s chairperson Benedicto Kalabo said the project will save the area from land degradation.

“We are reaping the consequences of deforestation as community members now are harvesting low crop yields due to erratic rains as a result of deforestation and cultivation along the river banks,” he said. 

Kalabo said about 200 households are expected to benefit from nine soil and water conservation projects in the area for 10 months where workers in the public social work project will receive K900 per day for 24 days every month. 

National Local Government Finance Committee with funding from the World Bank will implement a 10-month natural resource conservation Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme project in Chitipa, Karonga, Kasungu, Nkhotakota, Dowa, Lilongwe, Balaka, Chiradzulu, Phalombe and Blantyre.

Enhanced Public Works Programme research documentation officer SymonLubanga said there is need for the catchment committee members in the district to take ownership of the programme for its successful implementation.