Local Development Fund (LDF) on Thursday disclosed that it will spend $32 million (close to K 12 billion) in 2014/2015 Public Works Programme.
The Public Works Programme (PWP) component of the Malawi Social Action Fund (Masaf) is a safety net scheme targeting poor households and communities.
The targeted households get employed to work in construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of infrastructure such as rural roads, small irrigation systems and natural resource management, among other activities.
Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), LDF executive director Sam Kakhobwe said Masaf III ends June this year and that Masaf 4 is expected to start soon after Parliamentary approval.
“In December 2013 World Bank approved Masaf IV and what is remaining is for Parliament to approve it. We hope it will be approved this coming sitting of Parliament,” Kakhobwe said.
Kakhobwe then disclosed that PWP has been given $32 million (approximately K12 billion) to be used in one year.
Besides enabling infrastructure development in rural and semi-urban areas, PWP leads to economic development at household level as the employed individuals receive a minimal wage.
Apart from the PWP, other components in Masaf IV are Savings and Investment and Social Cash Transfer which will be piloted in two districts of Nkhata Bay and Dedza, Kakhobwe said.
The LDF executive director then saluted Nkhata Bay District Council for performing well in implementation of all LDF projects.
