Public works programme participants shut DC’s office

 At least 2 800 Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme participants from Senior Chief Sitola in Machinga District on Wednesday sealed the district commissioner’s offices over the delay to pay their two months wages.

The disgruntled participants last week presented a petition to the district council, giving authorities a week to make the payment.

Following the expiry of the ultimatum, the participants marched to the district council premises at Liwonde to remind authorities about their petition.

Speaking in an interview, the protesters’ representative Macdonald Makanjira faulted the council over the delay, saying the communities needed the money to buy food amid the hunger situation.

“We joined the programme with the hope of earning money to support our families. However, it is disheartening to see that our efforts are just in vain,” he said.

Another participant Mary John said they closed the council offices to remind authorities to address the problems contributing to the delays to pay participants

“We cannot continue to support initiatives that fail to uphold their end of the bargain. Our livelihoods are at stake and we demand transparency and accountability from those responsible,” she said.

Machinga District Council spokesperson Martin Chiwanda said the council was committed to disbursing the wages from next week Tuesday.

“We have just received money from National Local Government Finance Committee and we are making plans and following procedures because there are some things that we need to take into consideration before we start disbursing the wages,” he said.

In March last year, the participants in the district also shut the DC’s office over the delay in payment.

In Machinga, the programme is being carried out in all 24 traditional authorities targeting at least 17 000 participants