Mufulira Central MP Describes As Flawed Cash For Work Beneficiary Selection Process
Written by Mafken FM Newsroom on 23 September 2024
By Comfort Nthala
Mufulira Central Member of Parliament Golden Mwila has expressed concerns over the transparency of the beneficiary selection process for the cash for work program in his constituency.
Mr. Mwila tells Mafken News that many individuals are eager to benefit from the initiative, but the selection process appears flawed.
He notes that while guidelines for identifying beneficiaries were provided by government, the local authorities’ execution of these guidelines has been inadequate.
Mr. Mwila highlighted that each of the ten wards in his constituency varies significantly in population and geographical size further pointing out that an equal number of beneficiaries were allocated to each ward, which he believes does not accurately reflect the local realities.
Additionally, the lawmaker claims that there is an inclusion of twelve unknown names in each ward’s beneficiary list, which he argues undermines the program’s intent and disadvantages deserving individuals.
The MP has urged the local authorities to withdraw these additional names to better align the beneficiary selection with the program’s objectives.
In response, Mufulira Town Clerk Kasonde Musongole stated that the number of beneficiaries for each ward was agreed upon by various stakeholders, ensuring an equal distribution across all wards.
On the issue of the alleged twelve unknown names, Mrs. Musongole explained that all selected individuals come from their respective constituencies as per the program’s straightforward guidelines.
She however noted that her office is investigating the claims, as the responsibility for beneficiary identification lies with the Community Welfare Assistance Committee (CWAC), while the council handles verification.
