The Department of Social Welfare has officially concluded the Drought Emergency Social Cash Transfer (DE-SCT) programme in Serenje District, following the final payments to beneficiaries for the months of March and April 2025.
The programme, which was launched as a one-year emergency response to the devastating effects of drought, supported over 5,700 vulnerable households with K800 every month. The aim was to enhance beneficiariesโ purchasing power and cushion them against food insecurity and poverty during the crisis period.
Provincial Social Welfare Officer, Mrs. Yvonne Chingambu, confirmed the conclusion of the emergency intervention during an on-the-spot check of the final disbursement of funds held at Chintankwa Primary School today.
Mrs. Chingambu, who was accompanied by Serenje District Administrative Officer Dr. Peter Ndala and District Social Welfare Officer Mr. Mathews Mtonga, clarified that while the emergency programme has ended, regular social welfare assistance will continue.
โThe Emergency Cash Transfer was a temporary but crucial measure to help households withstand the immediate effects of drought,โ said Mrs. Chingambu. โOur focus now shifts to ensuring that families continue to thrive through ongoing government initiatives such as the regular Social Cash Transfer and Cash-for-Work programmes.โ
She further emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration in promoting the long-term success of social protection efforts.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ndala advised farmers in the district to sell their maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), which is offering K340 per 50kg bag, and cautioned them against dealing with exploitative briefcase buyers.
โWe must contribute to the national strategic food reserves and protect farmers from unfair trading practices,โ he said.
In a related appeal, Mr. Mtonga used the occasion to advocate for the protection of childrenโs rights, calling for an end to early marriages and sexual abuse. He encouraged cash transfer beneficiaries to act as community ambassadors by reporting such cases to his office and law enforcement agencies.
The conclusion of the DE-SCT in Serenje underscores the importance of disaster preparedness, community resilience, and strong social protection systems in safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable populations across the country.
