Councillors in Petauke district of Eastern Province have called for speedy implementation of the cash for work programme to benefit a number of people in their respective wards who are eagerly waiting for their payments.

The councillors have noted that the government’s intention to promote hardwork and allow people with an income low status to have cash to meet their daily needs is a great initiative, adding that this will allow liquidity in the economy and improve people’s purchasing power.

They said that the cash for work programme was a cure to poverty eradication and should be embraced and supported by all well-meaning Zambians.

ZANIS reports that this came to light during the Petauke council’s first meeting in 2025, with all the 13 councillors being in attendance. 

The meeting brought out various issues including the delayed payments for those involved in the cash for work programme being a major concern.

Mbala Ward Councilor Tedison Lungu, expressed worry over the delay in payments to those working on the programme despite the government releasing the funds.

Mr Lungu said government’s intention was to help alleviate hunger brought about by the drought, adding that there should be no reason by whoever is charged with the responsibility, to delay a well thought out programme which serves as a rescue plan for hunger stricken communities.

The councillor emphasised that beneficiaries were supposed to receive their payments promptly, within 10 days of completing their work but noted that it was unfortunate that many individuals, particularly those using MTN and Zamtel mobile networks, have been waiting for over a month now.

“It is unfortunate that most beneficiaries with MTN and Zamtel networks are facing delays in receiving their payments,” Mr Lungu revealed.

Mr Lungu called on the local authority to urgently ensure workable solutions were found to enable people access the cash which government was providing.

And Ongolwe Ward Councilor, Francis Mwanza echoed similar concerns, noting that in some cases, it took some time for the council to resolve the issues.

Mr Mwanza called on the local authority to find a permanent solution to ensure that people can use the money for its intended purpose such as buying food to mitigate the hunger caused by the drought.

“We are appealing to the local authority to provide a lasting solution to this issue,” he said.

And in response, Petauke Council Secretary, Kelvin Banda acknowledged the challenges in disbursing payments to beneficiaries, particularly due to lack of mobile money networks in some areas and the unavailability of mobile money agents, or agents without sufficient cash floats.

Mr Banda further revealed that the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development had sought authorisation from the treasury for local authorities to collaborate with mobile service providers to facilitate payments to Cash for Work programme beneficiaries and that the permission for the said arrangement has since been granted.

Meanwhile, Mr Banda informed the council about the forth-coming Petauke Central Parliamentary by-election, scheduled for February 6, 2025, with nominations set for January 7, 2025.

This election follows the absence of the Member of Parliament from parliament since August 4, 2024.