Social cash transfer transforms lives in Neno

Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries in Neno District have commended the programme for transforming their lives.

Speaking on Wednesday during a tour to assess the impact, some beneficiaries said they have constructed iron sheet-roofed houses while others have ventured into small-scale businesses.

One of the beneficiaries, Maria Dzingoma from Kazunga Village, in Traditional Authority (T/A) Mlauli’s area, said she invested the money in building a house and poultry farming.

“Before being enrolled on the programme, I was living in a grass-thatched house that was leaking during the rainy season, but now I have built my dream house,” she said.

Dzingoma said she now owns five goats and her household has completely transformed and is now food-secure.

Another beneficiary, Malita Chingwalu of Magaleta Village, said since she enrolled on the programme, her household has completely transformed.

“My family was in abject poverty and we could not eat all the six food groups, but now we are able to do so and I am able to pay school fees for my children,” she said.

Neno District social welfare officer Ellas Mtambo said the project encourages beneficiaries to acquire assets.

“We encourage beneficiaries not to spend all the money on food but acquire household assets as well,” she said.

Mtambo said there are 2 006 social cash transfer beneficiaries in the district.