21 May 2019

Moshupa service providers have been challenged  to support and monitor citizen empowerment projects.

Moshupa Sub-District Council  chairperson Mr Sonny Phiri  argued that it was the only way beneficiaries could graduate from poverty and create employment for themselves and others.

Speaking during the ongoing council session on May 20, Mr Phiri also urged service providers to speed up progress on project implementation and come up with ways to avoid delays encountered in the past financial year.

He said since inception in 2012, the Poverty Eradication Programme had assisted 543 beneficiaries under animal production category, while 383 awaited funding.

The council chairperson said 482 out of the implemented projects were complete while 61 were yet to be finalised.

He further revealed that 164 out of 183 poverty eradication projects under the Department of Crops had collapsed due to water shortage and termites infestation.

The sub district had a total of 1 427 permanent and 262 temporary destitute persons, 1 810 needy students, 560 orphans and 54 beneficiaries of Community Home Based Care programme, all being provided with social safety nets on a monthly basis, he said.

Government, Mr Phiri said, was desirous of achieving a dignified life for all citizens through effective delivery of services.

He said the sub-district had been allocated 77 409 430 which he said called for them to come up with ways to create own revenue sources, minimize waste and do more for less.

Nonetheless, he said the sub-district would continue assisting vulnerable groups such as people living with disabilities, old age pensioners, orphans and needy children without fail.

Mr Phiri said the sub district was also committed to addressing national priorities outlined in NDP 11 through the creation of sustainable employment and poverty eradication initiatives.

On other issues, he applauded government for the recent salary increment for both public officers and politicians.

He said the increase would go a long way in improving their standard of living. ENDS