World Bank hails public works project

World Bank senior social protection specialist and co-task team leader Ivan Drabek has expressed satisfaction with different interventions implemented under the Climate-Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme in Lilongwe District.

He said this on Saturday during a field tour at Mgongonda Micro-Catchment Area in Nathenje, Lilongwe to appreciate the progress of the programme which falls under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Project (SSRLP).

Drabek said it was interesting to see that beneficiaries and traditional leaders have taken ownership of the project.

“It is impressive to see interventions implemented in catchment areas. Listening to beneficiaries explaining knowledge and skills gained from field assistants and teaching others who are not part of this project is amazing,” he said.

Brabek assured that the bank will do its best to reach the targeted number of beneficiaries and increase their wages due to impact of the recent devaluation.

National Local Government Finance Committee social support for resilient livelihood project coordinator Paul Chipeta assured beneficiaries of receiving their wages on time.

One of the beneficiaries, Potiphar Alufeyo, thanked the World Bank for supporting the initiative, saying apart from conserving the environment, the project has also improved their livelihoods.

“I used to harvest little due to climate change, but I am optimistic that this year I will have bumper yields,” he said.

SSRLP is funded by the World Bank and the Multi-Donor Trust Fund partners