Nkhata Bay to increase public works programme participants

Nkhata Bay District Council says it will increase the number of participants in Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme in the next financial year.

Speaking on Tuesday in Mzuzu during a review meeting for the programme’s second cycle, the programme’s field officer Edward Ngwemba said the targeted beneficiaries will be 13 427 from 11 233.

He said: “Preparations for the third cycle are concluded. The second cycle progressed well although we faced minor setbacks, including poor data entry and participants getting their wages in arrears.

“However, the review meeting has helped to iron out these obstacles and we are confident that the third cycle will go on well.”

Ngwemba advised participants and committee members to avoid making replacements without following the programme’s implementation guidelines.

Nkhata Bay district commissioner Rodgers Newa also said the programme was progressing well in the district.

He said: “The review meeting is necessary to perfect ourselves in readiness for another cycle ahead.

“Some of the challenges we are facing are system-based and are appreciated at national level.”

Senior Chief Timbiri said he was pleased to hear that the number of participants will increase.

“This means more people will be involved in conserving the environment and improving their livelihoods through the wages,” he said.

Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programmeis a government initiative under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project implemented by National Local Government Finance Committee with financial support from the Multi-Donor Trust Fund and the World Bank.