Sikongo District: Over 2,000 Engage in Cash for Work Programme

More than 2,000 residents of Sikongo District in Western Province have been engaged in a Cash for Work programme, clearing and repairing the Kalobosi Congo road ahead of upcoming construction work.

The 2,741 participants will be paid a total of more than K9 million under the scheme for tasks including canal clearing and moulding construction blocks.

Mirriam Kabangu, a beneficiary of the programme, told ZNBC news “We are seeing this cash for work programme for the first time, we really thank the government for this initiative to uplift our livelihood, our school going children now feed every day.”

The Cash for Work programme was set up by the government in September to provide temporary employment to citizens who are struggling as a result of the ongoing drought. It is intended to address food insecurity while also giving citizens the opportunity to improve their local communities through public works.

“We are happy that many families in our district, including Liumena Ward will be able to have three meals ” - said Namakau Sepiso, a representative for the Liumena Ward Development Committee.

Local MP Mayungo Simushi, also praised the government, saying, “By and large what I can say is we would like to extend our gratitude to the President Hakainde Hichilema for what he has done with regard to the drought response"