Social Cash Transfer Programme beneficiaries in Lilongwe District have expressed excitement with the introduction of electronic payment (e-payment), saying it has reduced long distances they were covering to get their money.
One of the beneficiaries, Florida Mateyu of Traditional Authority M’bwatalika in the district, said in an interview on Monday that the new payment system is safe and secure.
She said now beneficiaries from different villages just withdraw their money from mobile service agents.
Mateyu said the e-payment has also helped beneficiaries receive their money on time and at the same time it has brought privacy.
She said: “Previously, almost everyone in the village knew that beneficiaries were going to receive their money, which increased the chances of being robbed.
“But now no one apart from the beneficiaries themselves know that we have received money from government.”
Lilongwe district social welfare officer responsible for Social Cash Transfer Programme Sarah Chimodzi called on beneficiaries to keep their pin codes secret to avoid being duped by other people.
She 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.
Government is implementing the programme in Lilongwe with support from the World Bank and it targets 29 512 ultra-poor and labour-constrained households in 23 traditional authorities
