NINETEEN HOUSEHOLDS TO BENEFIT FROM PROGRAMME

Ashley Mujoma

GOVERNMENT, in partnership with UNICEF, has launched the next phase of the Emergency Social Cash Transfer to strengthen the resilience of households from food insecurity.

In a statement, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare said that about 19 000 households would benefit from the programme.

The Ministry’s chief director of social development and disability affairs, Edmos Mtetwa, said:

“The main aim of the programme is to provide cash payments to close to 19 000 households in five new rural districts, which are Binga, Rushinga, Mudzi, Mangwe and Makoni, while providing a further three months of continuity support to its existing urban districts.”

Mtetwa said he appreciated the relationship that exists between the Ministry and its implementing partners.

“Through our coordinated efforts, we need to ensure that we reach the most vulnerable in the communities and minimise exclusion,” he said.

Zeinab Adam, from UNICEF, said a holistic approach to the programme was important.

“Providing support from multiple angles is essential because we know that there are multiple vulnerabilities that need to be addressed and that cash alone cannot do it.

“Under this new phase of support, the Emergency Social Cash Transfer programme will also be working with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to support selected schools in these districts with school feeding programmes,” he said.