Government says it will scale up the Social Cash Transfer Scheme (SCTS) next year as the review of the scheme shows that it is an effective instrument in fighting poverty among the poor and incapacitated households.
Community Development Deputy Minister Friday Malwa said the scheme which started as a pilot has provided strong evidence about the feasibility of implementing such a programme on a large scale.
Mr. Malwa said the Ministry has taken bold steps in combating poverty and vulnerability and has been implementing the SCTS in Kazungula, Kalomo, monze, Katete and Chipata.
He was speaking at the launch of the HelpAge International report on the Katete Social Cash Transfer Scheme in Lusaka today.
Speaking at the same event, Senior Citizens Association of Zambia (SCAZ) Representative Mwiche Siwale said the Association is grateful to government for establishing Social Cash Transfer in five Districts of the country to reduce starvation and extreme poverty in most destitute and incapacitated households.
Mr. Siwale said the pilot has made significant difference in peoples lives and are achieving many impacts.
And Help Age International Africa Regional Development Centre Representative, Nesta Hatendi said HelpAge will continue to focus on issues of access to appropriate and quality health services for older people and their families.
Ms. Hatend said HAI’s anticipates a much larger presence of its network in both West and Southern Africa over the next three years especially through developing stronger linkages with ECOWAS and SADC.
ZANIS
What significant difference is there in peoples lives Mr. Siwale? The masses still suffer.
Ms Hatendi,Malwa and Siwale why launch the report in Lusaka instaed of Katete? These guys live lavish lifestyles in the pretext of helping the poor.LT,you havent mentioned where the venue was,Ian sure it was Taj,Inters or Golf CrestView.
Ms Hatendi,Malwa and Siwale why launch the report in Lusaka instaed of Katete? These guys live lavish lifestyles in the pretext of helping the poor.LT,you havent mentioned where the venue was,Iam sure it was Taj,Inters or Golf CrestView.
Please tell us how you are going to target the poor? Social transfers when done on a small scale have tended to be elite capture and end up excluding the needy poor.