THE Mufulira Municipal Council says the authority is working around the clock to address delayed payments for the Cash for Work beneficiaries.

In a statement to ZANIS, MMC Assistant Public Relations Manager, Thandiwe Tembo states that the local authority has received a number of complaints regarding delayed payments from beneficiaries who took part in the Cash for Work programme.

Ms. Tembo notes that the government guidelines state that all payments to beneficiaries have to be done through mobile money facilities, adding that the council is implementing the payments through transfer of funds from Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) to mobile money accounts.

“The council has since engaged ZANACO Bank who have acknowledged the problem saying poor network is causing the funds to bounce back to the bank,” she said.

Ms. Tembo added that in order to avoid double payments the council has to wait for a complete list form the bank to identify those who have been paid.

She said after this, the local authority will issue fresh instructions to the bank to pay those who have not been paid.

Ms. Tembo disclosed that the council has written to seek authority from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development requesting for authority to pay the beneficiaries over the counter when their money bounces back as this will reduce payment delays.