Beneficiaries of the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme (CSEPWP) in Zomba have hailed the government for its timely payment of their wages saying they will be able to buy food.
Speaking Tuesday after receiving her wages, Regina Saiti of Chikwekwe Village in Thondwe said her family was in an acute shortage of food and described the support a lifesaver.
“Honestly I didn’t have food for today and the whole of this week. However God has answered my prayer and Immediately after here, I will be going straight to the market to buy maize,” said Saiti.
She said working in the programme has more benefits to the community as well at individual households and promised to dedicate herself in the next cycle.
Florence Mpinda of Mwamadi Village, who also received her wages, agreed with Saiti, said she would use the money to buy food for her family.
Mpinda said for the past two weeks, she had been surviving on pieceworks and noted that the money was helpful to her family, as it would ensure they have food to eat.
Director of Agriculture Environment and Natural Resources, Linda Mphande said the money is a relief to families affected by hunger.
Mphande said most households did not harvest enough food in the last growing season and described interventions like the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Programme of great importance.
Chimwemwe Chimbaza, CSEPWP desk officer for Zomba said a total of 19, 597 beneficiaries are expected to receive their wages.
By Solister Mogha, MANA
