Livelihoods of rural communities are expected to improve as the Malawi government starts the implementation of the Enhanced Public Works program.
Among other things, the program which will be under the radar of the National Local Government Financial Committee is aimed at seeing to it that various public works projects uplift people’s financial base.
The expectations were expressed on the sidelines of a media training about the projects in Blantyre.
According to the Community-Driven specialist at NLGFC, Stanly Chuthi, the pilot project will be implemented in ten districts in the country.
Malawi has been implementing public works programs under MASAF 4 since 2015, however, some challenges have been noted over the years hence the need for this new approach.
“You are aware that under MASAF 4, most of the projects were related to roads, we were not caring more about the environment, but with the enhanced public works we want to implement climate-smart interventions so that we change the green of our country,’’ said Chuthi.
While admitting to challenges such as ghost beneficiaries and low compliance to sector technical norms and standards in MASAF 4, Chuthi said the EPWP has drawn lessons from the past and has since put in place measures to ensure successful implementation of the project.
He added that the 3 billion Kwacha program has been structured to allow involved communities to make savings and be able to invest in other activities for improved livelihood.
Meanwhile, Bessie Msusa-Chief Economist from the Department of Economic Planning has said the EPWP will emphasize on catchment management as many Malawians depend on natural resources, and their depletion is one key causes of poverty.