Minister Impressed with Social Cash Transfer Programme, Donates Cement to Beneficiary

Zomba, February 10, Mana: Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha, has expressed satisfaction with how beneficiaries of the Social Cash Transfer Programme are utilizing the resources they receive.

Navicha made the remarks on Tuesday in Zomba when she visited one of the households benefiting from the programme, saying she was excited by the focus and resilience demonstrated by the beneficiaries.

The minister, who was accompanied by World Bank Practice Manager Loli Arribas-Baños, said that despite receiving modest support, beneficiaries are able to construct houses, start businesses and send their children to school.

“Honestly, I am impressed. These are the impacts we want to see from life-changing programmes such as this one,” said Navicha.

She singled out the family of Shadreck and Mary Tsoka for praise after they managed to construct a brick house roofed with iron sheets.

In recognition of their efforts, the minister donated 10 bags of cement to the family to help them complete the flooring of their house.

Member of Parliament for Zomba Matiya, Kingwell Liphuka, also contributed five bags of cement in support of the family’s goal.

Shadreck Tsoka thanked the minister for the donation, saying it had fulfilled a long-held dream.

“I never expected that I would one day floor my house, but today God has answered my prayer,” he said.

Zomba District is one of the councils implementing the Social Cash Transfer Programme under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihoods Programme (SSRLP).

The minister’s visit follows a World Bank mission currently in the country to assess and appreciate the implementation of the SSRLP.

By Solister Mogha