By Derrick Silimina
Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane says the release of K68.5 million by the Treasury for the cash for work program will alleviate the challenges faced by citizens as a result of the recent drought.
In a statement, Dr. Musokotwane said those identified to undertake the labour-intensive work through a community/government participatory process will be paid cash for the purchase of food and other requisites.
“The cash for work program is targeted at putting money in the pockets of viable but vulnerable fellow citizens while engaging them in labour-intensive community projects,” Dr. Musokotwane said.
The Finance Minister noted that for instance, in Lusaka’s Kanyama township, the community has decided that one of the projects to be undertaken is the clearance of roadside drainages so that when the next rain season starts, the chances of flooding will be low.
In the revised 2024 Budget, K2 Billion has been reserved for the Cash for Work Program as one of the steps aimed at alleviating the drought induced income generating challenges which many viable but vulnerable citizens are facing.
