Kazungula DC advises cash for work programme handlers

Kazungula District Commissioner, Elias Siamibila, has instructed handlers of the Cash for Work (CfW) Programme at Kazungula Town Council to be proactive and ensure that going forward, the initiative should leave an impact in the district.

Mr Siamibila says it was unacceptable that from the time the implementation of the CFW programme started in the district, nothing visible can be pointed at to indicate that the programme has really worked.

ZANIS reports that the District Commissioner made the remarks during a District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) review meeting on how Cash for Work programme was previously handled, as the district graduates into the revised model of its implementation.

Mr Siamibila regretted that the government has so far spent huge sums of money towards the programme, noting that if the funds were were channeled to construct a classroom block for example, the building would have been constructed at the Central Business District and stood as a good example.

Mr Siamibila suggested that the DDMC should be given a mandate to choose the scope of works to be done by those willing to work in the revised programme.

“The DDMC should take ownership of the programme in order to see transparency and accountability in the manner works are executed by those willing to work under CfW. There is a need to manage the process very well starting from an engagement level to the time beneficiaries are paid,” he said.

Mr Siamibila further emphasised that supervision of community works should be undertaken in collaboration with someone from the council instead of just relying on those given the mandate to supervise the works at ward level.

He said the move will address the issue of shoddy works that have been observed in the previous works done by beneficiaries of the programme.

“People who are readily available to work and are not beneficiaries from other government programmes should be engaged for the exercise. Going forward, there should be an impact after the works are done, ensuring that resources are utilised prudently.

“I direct the council to take the issue of supervision seriously so that there can be value for money,” said the District Commissioner.

At the same meeting, Kazungula Town Council Public Relations Officer, Lwando Kabundi assured the DDMC members that sensitisation will be conducted to community members for them to understand the programme better.

During the meeting, the District Disaster Management Committee members also expressed dissatisfaction in the manner the Cash for Work Programme was previously handled, as no effect was seen on the ground, despite the programme being adequately funded.