By Chisomo Phiri
Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Mary Navicha, has called on Thyolo District Council to strengthen the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Social Cash Transfer Programme (SCTP).
Navicha made the remarks on Monday after touring SCTP beneficiary households in Chimbeta Cluster under Traditional Authority (T/A) Khwethemule in Thyolo District.
She said the programme is playing a critical role in supporting vulnerable households to meet basic needs such as food, soap and school requirements, while also enabling some beneficiaries to invest in small-scale income-generating activities.
The minister observed that despite the enrolment of some persons with disabilities and individuals with albinism, a number of eligible beneficiaries are still being excluded from the programme.
Navicha further described the current cash transfer amounts as inadequate, noting that some households supporting many dependents receive about K51,000.
She said government is engaging the Ministry of Finance and development partners to enhance the programme’s support.
The minister also highlighted network challenges that affect access to payments, adding that discussions are underway with mobile service providers to improve connectivity in hard-to-reach areas.
On his part
,Thyolo District Commissioner(DC) Noel Dakamau said the council is strengthening case management systems and household verification processes to ensure that only deserving households benefit from the SCTP.
In her remarks,one of the beneficiaries, Esnart Chikaonda, said the programme has improved her family’s living conditions and enabled her to venture into rabbit farming.
She appealed to government to consider increasing the cash transfer amounts.
