Drought Emergency Cash Transfer Scheme Begins Disbursement

About 24,777 people on the Drought Emergency Cash Transfer project are set to receive an 800 Kwacha payment.

The Drought Emergency Cash Transfer is a relief initiative that aims to address the hunger caused by the severe drought. Vulnerable households are entitled to 800 Kwacha every two months.

Kitwe District Commissioner Lawrence Mwanza explained to ZNBC that over 19 million Kwacha will be paid out to beneficiaries in Kitwe.

Margaret Mwale, a programme beneficiary, said, “The funds we are receiving from the government are helping to sustain our lives.”

Another beneficiary, Patrick Mwelma, added, “We are able to provide food to our families.”

Lawrence Mwanza, Kitwe District Commissioner, said, “The programme is progressing well; there have been one or two challenges, but since the programme was started, we have helped 24,777 people, and payments are ongoing.” 

Charles Silomba, a Local Councillor, expressed his satisfaction with the project, which has allowed for the effective disbursement of the funds and ensured that they reach the intended beneficiaries. 

Mr Silomba added, “I hope to see an increase in the cash transfer, like we have seen with the increased [Constituency Development Fund] CDFs, to increase the number of initiative beneficiaries.

The Drought Emergency Cash Transfer project is another example of the President’s successful efforts to mitigate the effects of the drought.