Minister warns social cash transfer officers

Community Development and Social Services Minister Olipa Phiri has said money meant for social cash transfer beneficiaries should reach its target group.

Ms. Phiri her ministry does not want a repeat of what transpired in the past where money meant for vulnerable but viable people under the social cash transfer programme went missing.

She warned officers that area charged with the responsibility of disbursing funds to vulnerable people in the province to exercise caution so that what transpired in the past does not repeat itself.

She said the social cash transfer scheme is very important for improving the lives of poor people in society.

She was speaking in Chipata today when she paid a courtesy call on Eastern Province Acting Permanent Secretary Royd Tembo.

Ms. Phiri disclosed that she is in the province to check on how the programmes under the ministry are going on.

‘’ The reason why the President follows the activities in our Ministry with keen interest is because it is key to the improvement of the lives of people in the country, especially through the Social Cash Transfer programme,’’ Ms. Phiri said.

And Eastern Province Acting Permanent Secretary, Royd Tembo, said the region is happy that the Ministry of Community Development has started paying beneficiaries in the social cash transfer programme.

Mr. Tembo, who is also Eastern Province Assistant Secretary, said people in the region are happy with government for resuming the payment of funds to the vulnerable in the villages.

The Community Development Minister is expected to visit Chipata, Mambwe, Katete, Petauke and Nyimba districts.