SOCIAL CASH TRANSFER TO BE DISBURSED ON TIME- MINISTER

By ANNIE ZULU

COMMUNITY Development and Social Services Minister, Doreen Mwamba has assured that the Social Cash Transfer and other social protection programs will be disbursed on time.

Ms Mwamba said Government understands how critical the program is to the incapacitated and vulnerable households and individuals.

She said beneficiaries would now be receiving payments within 72 hours.

The Minister said this when she addressed Community Welfare Assistance Committee members (CWACS) and the community in Lusaka's Chainda Township.

Minister Doreen Mwamba

Ms Mwamba also warned the members against engaging in illegal dealings during the implementation of the Social Cash Transfer program, saying government will not hesitate to take punitive measures against anyone who frustrates efforts to improve the welfare of the vulnerable in society.

She urged the members to strictly follow the guidelines when selecting people to put on the Social Cash Transfer program.

She noted that previously the selection of beneficiaries was marred with corruption, nepotism and political alignment, resulting in some unqualified people receiving the social protection security incentives.

“Social Cash Transfer is non- political, its for every Zambian who qualifies. Time for playing politics is long gone, this is the time to work for the people of Zambia. Ensure that real beneficiaries are put on the program,” Ms Mwamba said.

"We have a vision and we know where we want to take this country" She assured, with a call for unity of purpose from all stakeholders in making the social protection programs successful.

And she Mwamba has disclosed that donor confidence has been restored following heightened transparency and effectiveness in the disbursement of the programme.

The Minister has noted with happiness that other partners have expressed willingness to support the program, an indication that the new dawn government has restored confidence by dealing with loopholes that characterized the previous regime.

Meanwhile, Munali Member of Parliament, Hon Mike Mposha commended the Minister and her Ministry for working tirelessly in ensuring that the Social Cash Transfer program is well implemented.

Mr Mposha called for honesty and discipline among CWAC members in handling the program.