Chitambo Council Disburses K468,000 to 780 Beneficiaries of Cash-for-Work Programme
Chitambo Town Council says it has disbursed K468,000 to 780 beneficiaries of the Cash-For-Work Program for September, 2024.
Council Public Relations Officer, Rodrick Nyirenda told Money FM News that the funds are designed to help mitigate the challenges posed by the drought, providing essential support for families struggling to secure food and livelihood.
Mr. Nyirenda revealed that a second group of 2,700 beneficiaries across the district will begin working today, Monday, 21st October, 2024.
“A recent spot check by the Public Relations Unit of the local authority revealed that the grateful beneficiaries have received their payments. This program aligns with the vision articulated by President Hakainde Hichilema, emphasizing that no one will die of hunger,” Mr. Nyirenda stated.
He said the phased approach ensures that more community members can access the financial assistance they need during this critical period.
“The cash-for-work initiative not only offers immediate financial relief but also promotes community resilience by engaging beneficiaries in meaningful work that contributes to local development.”
“Furthermore, the program has garnered positive feedback from participants, who report improved food security and a renewed sense of hope amidst challenging circumstances. Local officials are optimistic that continued support will help stabilize the region and foster sustainable agricultural practices in the future,” he said.
And Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Administration, Maambo Haamaundu, highlighted that as a result of the adverse effects of the 2023/2024 drought, the large proportion of the population needs food at household levels.
Mr. Haamaundu encouraged cooperating partners to help offer support on social protection programmes to benefit more vulnerable households to create more income-generating opportunities for them.
The Cash for Work programme, which is part of the 2023/2024 drought emergency interventions, offers immediate financial relief of K600 for 10 days to vulnerable individuals by providing short-term employment in exchange for their labour on public works projects.
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is a key implementing entity of the programme through Local Authorities, in 87 Districts of the Country, by empowering vulnerable households not covered by the Social Cash Transfer, and the Drought Emergency Cash Transfer.
