Rufunsa District Commissioner, Richard Mabena has expressed concern over some households in the district who are benefiting from more than one social protection programmes that government is implementing to mitigate the impact of the 2023/2024 dry spell.
Mr Mabena says it is unfair that other vulnerable families were left out of the interventions because of selfish individuals who are on more than one social protection programmes.
He said the Emergence Drought Response Programmes that the government is implementing were not meant for a few individuals but for vulnerable families who were affected by the drought.
ZANIS reports that the DC was speaking when he addressed community members of Chamulimba Ward in Bunda Bunda chiefdom who included Ward Development Committee (WDC) and Community Welfare Assistance Committee (CWACs) members.
“Government is committed to ensuring that no one dies of hunger due to the drought experienced in the 2023/2024 farming season hence putting in place strategies like the Relief Food, Food for Work and the Cash for Work Programmes so that those that are not on any social protection programmes can also benefit”, said Mr Mabena.
The District Commissioner called on the WDCs and the CWACs to help the government in identifying eligible beneficiaries under these programmes.
Mr Mabena further indicated that his office had been receiving reports that some households who were already on other social protection programmes are being included on the Emergency Drought Response interventions.
“Am urging and warning you WDC and CWAC members to be transparent in the selection or else the hand of government will visit you “, said Mr Mabena.
He also called on the beneficiaries to use the money for the intended purpose of cushioning the hunger situation at household level.
