Social Cash Transfer e-payment faces glitches

Social Cash Transfer Programme beneficiaries in Nkhotakota have asked authorities to rectify electronic payment glitches in the district.

The beneficiaries expressed the concerns on Monday during a media tour to appreciate the programme’s impact in the district.

One of the beneficiaries, Vickness Manda of Traditional Authority (T/A) Kamphambale, said it is taking long for them to access cash transfers through the new system contrary to what they were promised.

“It is taking two or more months for us to get the cash transfers. This is not what we were used to when our payments were processed manually,” she said.

Manda, however, commended the programme for transforming her life.

“I invested the money in a small-scale business and livestock farming. I now afford to buy basic necessities for my family and have constructed a decent house,’ she said.

Manda asked authorities to consider revising the money upwards to match the rising cost of living due to devaluation of the kwacha.

Another beneficiary in T/A Mphonde, Winnie Chikalipo also asked authorities to rectify e-payment system glitches.

“We need to receive the money on time because the purpose of the transfers is to help ultra-poor households get basic necessities,” she said.

Chikalipo said the programme has helped her to accumulate some assets.

“I now own goats and poultry which are sources of income and food. However, I also ask government to raise the money because the prices of commodities have risen,” she said.

Nkhotakota principal social welfare officer Oswald Mwale admitted delays in processing the transfers through the new system, but said the challenges will be rectified.

He also said his office will forward the suggestions to raise the money to relevant authorities.