Ministry commends Social cash Transfer Programme
Deputy Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Agnes Nkusa Nkhoma has expressed satisfaction with the impact of the Social Cash Transfer Programme in Karonga District.
She expressed the sentiments on Monday after visiting some of the programme’s beneficiaries in Senior Chief Mwilang’ombe’s area in the district.
Said Nkusa Nkhoma: “I am impressed with the achievements beneficiaries have registered. People have invested in livestock farming while others have constructed houses.
“The programme has taught people to save money in village savings and loans groups.”
However, the deputy minister said government does not have any say on the increase of beneficiaries as that depends on the donor.
Speaking on behalf of group village head Mchekacheka, Astar Muchawi urged beneficiaries to save their money and invest in farming or small-scale businesses.
“This programme is financed by donors and it can end anytime; hence, invest it wisely,” he said.
Muchawi said traditional leaders have intensified meetings with beneficiaries to encourage them to utilise the proceeds wisely.
A beneficiary, Kolesi Simkonda said she started receiving the money in 2018 and has so far invested it in many things, including pig farming.
“My life has improved since my husband divorced me 22 years ago,” she said.
Simkonda asked government to revise the monthly payment, saying the amount is too small to match the current economic conditions.
Karonga district principal social welfare officer Tiwonge Mbale said the district has 7 485 beneficiaries.
“To enhance efficient implementation of the project, we have partnered with TNM to migrate from manual to digital electronic payment,” she said.
The programme in the district is funded by the World Bank.
