The Orientation Workshop on the Revised Cash for Work Programme has officially opened, with the Permanent Secretary β Technical Services, Mr. Nicholas Phiri, underscoring Governmentβs commitment to strengthening the delivery of social protection and community development interventions.
Speaking during the official opening, Mr. Phiri said the orientation workshop is a critical platform for ensuring a shared understanding of the revised programme design, objectives and implementation modalities among all stakeholders. He noted that the engagement is also intended to align roles, responsibilities and expectations as the programme moves into full implementation.
Mr. Phiri emphasised that the Revised Cash for Work Programme remains a key intervention aimed at providing temporary employment opportunities for vulnerable households, while improving community infrastructure through labour-intensive community works. He added that the programme prioritises social inclusion by targeting women, youth and persons with disabilities, while also promoting resilience through climate adaptation and environmental restoration activities.
He explained that the programme has been revised to address implementation challenges identified during Phase One, and to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability in programme delivery.
The Permanent Secretary further noted that the revised framework places strong emphasis on clearer targeting and beneficiary selection criteria, strengthened monitoring, reporting and grievance redress mechanisms, as well as improved beneficiary payment systems to enhance timeliness and integrity.
Mr. Phiri stressed that the success of the programme will depend on strong coordination among stakeholders, effective engagement at all levels, and strict adherence to the programmeβs operational guidelines.
He encouraged participants drawn from local authorities and implementing partners to actively engage in discussions, seek clarification where necessary, and share practical experiences and lessons that will strengthen implementation on the ground.
Reaffirming Governmentβs commitment, Mr. Phiri said efforts will continue to focus on supporting vulnerable communities through responsive and well-managed programmes, ensuring transparency and accountability in programme delivery, and continuously improving social and economic interventions based on evidence and feedback.
He also acknowledged the contribution of technical teams and cooperating partners who supported the revision of the programme, noting that their continued collaboration remains essential to its success.
Mr. Phiri expressed confidence that the outcomes of the orientation workshop will translate into improved implementation of the Revised Cash for Work Programme and deliver tangible benefits to communities across the country.
With these remarks, the Orientation Workshop on the Revised Cash for Work Programme was officially declared open.
