Govt. increases SCT beneficiaries in Chama

Chama Assistant Community Development Officer, Charity Mpundu, has disclosed that the number of beneficiaries under the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme has increased from about 900 to over 10,000. In an interview with the media, Ms. Mpundu said the increase has enabled…

Chama Assistant Community Development Officer, Charity Mpundu, has disclosed that the number of beneficiaries under the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme has increased from about 900 to over 10,000.

In an interview with the media, Ms. Mpundu said the increase has enabled more vulnerable people in the district to benefit from Government’s social protection programmes.

She said the beneficiaries include elderly people, persons with disabilities and female-headed households, among other categories of people with social needs.

Some beneficiaries who spoke to ZANIS, said the money received under the SCT programme has helped them meet household needs, particularly in rural areas where economic activities are largely dependent on farming.

One of the beneficiaries, Umoza Kumwenda, an elderly man, thanked Government for introducing the programme.

Mr Kumwenda said the K1,200 he receives, helps him purchase essential household goods and meet his basic needs while awaiting the next payment.

Another beneficiary, Tasiya Goma, commended Government for the initiative, describing it as an important intervention in supporting elderly and vulnerable people in society.

Ms Goma said the programme is particularly important in Chama because most households depend on farming, which does not always provide a regular source of income throughout the year.