By Durell Namasani
The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Social and Community Affairs, Savel Kafwafwa, has emphasised the importance of harmonising social support and livelihood programmes as a key strategy to effectively alleviate poverty.
Kafwafwa made the remarks during the committee’s visit to Ntchisi District, where they evaluated the implementation of the Social Cash Transfer Programme.
“We would like the councils to integrate these programmes to maximise their impact on beneficiaries,” Kafwafwa stated.
During their time in Ntchisi, the members of Parliament visited two households that are beneficiaries of the programme to hear firsthand how the programme is impacting their lives.
“As a committee, we have noted that despite revising the amounts the beneficiaries receive, these rates are still on the lower side,” Kafwafwa observed.
He also expressed satisfaction with the programme’s outcomes, highlighting that it has embedded skills in savings and loans, enabling beneficiaries to multiply their earnings.
One of the beneficiaries, Elida Mvula, attributed her success to the skills she gained through savings and loans initiatives via COMSIP.
“Through these groups, I have been able to multiply my earnings, buy goats and pigs, and start a small business that has transformed my life,” she said.
The committee’s visit underscores the importance of accountability and oversight in the management of social support programmes.
