Zambia: The member of Parliament for Kaoma Central, Morgan Sitwala has asked Kaoma residents to stop harassing social welfare officers. The people who were targeted by the politician in his request were those who were left out in the Emergency Cash Transfer Programme.
The programme helps the people from the vulnerable parts of the society. Accordingly many Zambians have been looking into taking advantage of the programme.
However, Brigadier General Morgan Sitwala explained that it was impossible for the government to include all Zambians in the programme. The government can not afford to assist a large number of people from a ssingle community, at the same time.
Accordingly, they make sure to chose the beneficiaries in a more organized and efficient manner.
He made these remarks when he was flagging off of payments to over 10,000 beneficiaries in Kaoma district on Friday.
Brig. Gen. Sitwala revealed that officers were given parameters to register households during the enumeration process and therefore, there was no need for those left out to blame the officers.
“I urge all those left out to desist from harassing officers at the social welfare office. They were only following guidelines. I request that anyone aggrieved should visit the District Commissioner’s office for reconsideration,” he said.
Acting Kaoma District Administrative Officer, Mwilima Mwilima reported that the payments were proceeding smoothly and appealed to beneficiaries to remain calm, assuring them that there was enough money for those on the list.
Kaoma District Social Welfare Officer, Brian Kashimoto revealed that out of 17,709 people captured during the enumeration, 10,829 were successful.
Mr Kashimoto said that beneficiaries will receive six bi-monthly payments for a year, with those already on social cash transfer receiving K800 bi-monthly, up from K400 and emergency social cash beneficiaries receiving K800 bi-monthly.
A beneficiary, Moono Mwangala thanked the government for the initiative, assuring that the aid would be multiplied through various business ventures.
The Emergency Cash Transfer programme aims to alleviate poverty in households affected by the drought, and beneficiaries are advised to use the money accordingly, including venturing into agricultural activities.