Public works empower Lilongwe communities

Communities in Lilongwe have commended government for the Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme which they say is boosting their economic opportunities.

The communities expressed the sentiments on Saturday during a monitoring exercise the council organised to assess the implementation of activities in the fourth cycle which started some few weeks ago.

One of the beneficiaries from Chaola catchment area, Esmey Balatumeyo of Traditional Authority (T/A) Kalumba, said the programme transformed her from her economic woes.

She said: “We dig swales in our gardens in order to control running water and we plant trees in gullies which control running water and these have assisted us to have bumper yields and at the same time, get paid for the work we do.”

Mkuwazi catchment area beneficiary Benedicto Sambo of T/A Mazengera said the programme has transformed their lives as they are no longer struggling to pay school fees for their children as they earn an income after working for 24 days.

He said the programme has helped the beneficiaries to buy fertiliser and other farm inputs through the wages they get.

Lilongwe District Council project facilitator Peter Chiumbuzo expressed satisfaction with how the fourth cycle has started in all catchment areas across the district.

“We want the structures they are coming up with on the ground to be of higher quality that can last for some years ahead. We don’t want a structure, for example a swale, that can be used only for one season,” he said.

The programme has about 29 440 beneficiaries in Lilongwe in 22 catchment areas.

The Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme is funded by the World Bank. It is being  implemented by National Local Government Finance Committee.