National Wide Public Works Programme Commence December

Goodall Gondwe

Government to begin a national wide Public Works Programme budgeted at K9 billion by December this year up to May 2016.

Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development disclosed in the National Assembly during his Ministerial speech on the status of the economy that each district will receive a minimum of K200 million and people will work for 20 days at a fee of K600 per day.

He emphasized that the large part of the programme will be devoted to tree planting along the rivers to strengthen Malawi resilience to catastrophes. 

“In order to improve rural incomes and boost demand for domestic products and to provide resources to the rural population to purchase Farm Inputs in readiness for the next rainy season, the Government will establish an expanded Public Works Programme that will be managed by the local councils through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, MASAF and supported particularly by Ministry of Natural Resources, and Ministry of Transport and Public Works.

“It is felt that this year we could particularly focus on the planting of trees alongside our main rivers. It is planned to spend more than K9 billion on this programme.”

“On the average, resources will be distributed country wide of more than K200 million per district. It will be expected that an individual can be eligible for 20 days work at rate of K600 per day.” He said with plause of Bommaaa! Among Government MP’s

He explained that this year, the programme will have two cycles. The first part will start on 1st December to 31st of March 2015 and second part will kickoff in April to May 2016. 

Earlier the minister said Government will also focus on an expanded production of legumes to help the country diversify agricultural exports and earn the country US$200 million per year. 

“That is together with mineral exports, our exports could double in the medium term” he said “An expanded production of legumes will also enhance rural incomes reduce poverty significantly”

He said the ministry or Industry and Trade has already secured external market for the legumes to be produced.

He said the two are part of non budgetary initiatives that the country is geared to undertake