Beneficiaries of Social Cash Transfer Programme in Nkhata Bay District have commended the council’s decision to transition to electronic payments, saying they will help ease mobility challenges.
One of the beneficiaries, John Banda, from Mpamba Village in Traditional Authority Timbiri, said the new mode of payment will enable them to use the money for its intended purpose.
affected. I Jordan Simeon-Phiri
“I spend about K6 000 for transport to receive my money at the designated centre. With the move to electronic payment [e-payment], I will be able to use all the K57 000 I receive,” he said.
Banda said the e-payment will enable beneficiaries to save time spent in their clusters waiting to receive money.
On his part, Kawalazi
Cluster Community Social Support Committee member Antony Banda said the difficult terrain in Nkhata Bay prevents older people from travelling to their pay-points on pay day.
He said transitioning from manual to electronic payment is a relief because they will be able to access the money from mobile money agents in their localities.
Nkhata Bay District Council principal social welfare officer Wisdom Mwafulirwa said preparations to transition to electronic payment are at an advanced stage.
He said: “Unlike in other districts, Nkhata Bay will have a choice model of payment, which will give beneficiaries the liberty to choose a digital platform they prefer.
“We have intensified awareness campaigns on the same among other transition preparatory activities.”
The programme is running with funding from the Multi-Donor Trust Fund and the World Bank.
