Elderly women hail social cash transfer

Some elderly women in Rumphi District, who are beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer Programme, have commended the initiative for improving their livelihoods.

One of the beneficiaries, Jessie Tembo, 74, from Chibaka Village in Senior Chief Mwankhunikira’s area said she used to struggle to support her family following the death of her husband 10 years ago.

“When my husband died, the house was in bad shape. Fortunately, the district council enrolled me in the programme in 2018 and it has been our source of income,” she said. 

Tembo said she invested the money in irrigation farming, adding that she grows beans and other crops.

“I saved the money and bought farm inputs for the garden. I sell the farm produce to realise money to construct a new house,” she said.

Another beneficiary, 72-year-old Kateness Mbale from Mwabada Village in Traditional authority Mwahenga, said she used the money to buy goats and pigs.

“I rear these animals and sell them to get money for my basic needs. I am also constructing a decent house,” she said.

Mbale said she is also paying school fees for her two grandchildren in secondary school, courtesy of the programme.

Rumphi district commissioner Emmanuel Bulukutu said he was pleased to note that some beneficiaries are constructing decent houses and have acquired some livestock, courtesy of the programme.