K7.9bn public works programme starts
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has rolled out a K7.9 billion Public Works Programme (PWP) under Masaf IV which will see 450 000 households nationwide benefiting through cash-for-work projects.
The ministry’s head of development and communications, Booker Matemvu, said so far, money has been disbursed to 32 councils in the country through the Local Development Fund (LDF) while three districts, Chikwawa, Nsanje and Nkhata Bay, will receive their share anytime from now. 
The programme started on Monday and will run for 24 days.
“We are targeting an average of five people per household, which will translate into 450 000 benefiting this time. All councils will benefit from this programme,” said Matemvu.
Blantyre City Council spokesperson Anthony Kasunda said the programme is being undertaken in all city wards, with each receiving K16.1 million.
He said: “The Masaf 4 PWP cash-for-work programme has been rolled out with the registration of names in all wards and the projects are going on smoothly. We are expecting to have their projects finished within 24 days.”
Ndirande Matope Ward councillor Sinizio Makawa said his ward has registered 700 beneficiaries to carryout various projects set-aside in the ward. He said they will be paid K600 per day for their work.
Last year, the projects saw the clearing to road drainages, slashing of tall grasses along the roads, filling road potholes, among many other projects.
