Use social cash transfer money prudently—DC

Neno district commissioner (DC) Rosemary Nawasha has asked Social Cash Transfer Programme beneficiaries in the district to use the money prudently to become economically independent.

Speaking on Tuesday during a payout exercise at Ngwenyama Village Cluster, she asked the beneficiaries not to spend the money on food only, but also save some in village savings and  loans groups to improve their livelihood.

“It is government’s wish that beneficiaries graduate from the programme to become self-reliant,” said Nawasha.

She also advised them to work hard in their fields to achieve food security at household level.

One of the beneficiaries, Maxford Luwanika from Ngwenyama Village, Traditional Authority Symon, thanked government for the programme, saying the money they receive is helping their families.

“I buy food and other basic necessities using the money I receive from the programme. Life would be tough without money from the programme,” he said.

Another beneficiary, Hanna Ndipo, said she ventured into livestock farming using earnings from the programme.

“I bought pigs and chickens when I received my wages to ensure that I grow my income. I can now say that I am doing fine as we eat six food groups.

“I am also able to pay school fees for my children in secondary school.”

There are 2 006 Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries in the district and the programme targets 10 percent of the ultra-poor and labour-constrained people.

Beneficiaries are expected to graduate from the programme once they attain economic independence.