M’Mbelwa District Council says the introduction of electronic payment (e-payment) for Social Cash Transfer Programme beneficiaries has improved efficiency in transactions.
Previously, the council used to pay beneficiaries cash during pay parades at one assembly place, a system which involved council staff travelling with hard cash and many officials to pay people.
In an interview on Wednesday, the council’s principal gender officer responsible for Social Cash Transfer Programme Shadreck Mingo expressed satisfaction with the new payment system.
He said the e-payment system, whose services are being provided by Kaku Mobile Money Service, has ensured that beneficiaries receive their monthly stipend on time.
Said Mingo: “Generally, we are impressed with this e-payment system because it is cost-effective and efficient. Beneficiaries now receive their stipends in time and privately, which makes it more secure.
“However, we are still registering challenges to do with poor network, especially in remote areas, but the supplier is planning to engage the network providers TNM and Airtel Malawi to improve their network in some rural areas.”
Speaking after cashing her money at Embangweni Trading Centre, 71-year-old Gertrude Chirwa from Emkakeni in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mzukuzuku, said she will continue to invest her stipend in businesses.
“I did not have a home but now I am building a decent house which is at roofing level. I have saved enough to buy iron sheets to finish it,” she said.
Chirwa, who looks after her five children and seven grandchildren, said e-payment is cost-effective as she is not spending transport money to go to collect her stipend.
Another beneficiary, Mary Lukhele from Dimi Village, said she was planning to join a village savings and loans group to generate interests and invest in mandasi (fritters) business.
Government is implementing the programme with support from the European Union in the district.
