CHIRUNDU IN COVID-19 FUNDS GALORE

GOVERNMENT, with support from UNICEF, has dispersed K10,

000 Covid-19 funds for vulnerable households in Chirundu district to reduce the impact of the pandemic for a period of six months.

Chirundu District Commissioner (DC),Stafford Kayame, who witnessed the distribution of the first instalment, explained that the beneficiaries were entitled to K400 every month for a period of six months.

Mr. Kayame said in an interview that beneficiaries in seven wards of Chirundu district that have network connectivity have started receiving K1,200 for the first three months while the beneficiaries in the remaining four wards that do not have mobile phone network will be paid a full amount of K2,400.

He said that the beneficiaries in the seven wards with network connectivity will receive the funds through the phones and will be paid in two instalments.

The DC has since advised the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely as it is meant to reduce the negative impact brought about by Covid-19.

“Use the money wisely to pay for school fees, buy fertilizer to enhance crop yield and other important activities,” he advised.

Mr Kayame commended

UNICEF for funding the Covid-19 social cash transfer.

Meanwhile, Chirundu

Ward Area Coordination Committee Chairperson, Paul Kawayawaya, applauded Government and its partners for aiding the vulnerable households in the district.

Mr Kawayawaya noted that the vulnerable households in Chirundu and other places need more assistance to reduce the burden worsened by the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic.. Meanwhile, Emma Zakeyo, a beneficiary of the

Covid-19 social cash

transfer funds, said the financial assistance will greatly help in reducing the negative impact of Covid-19.

“Some of us are widows and have families to take care of but are failing to meet the basic needs because of the adverse effects brought about by Covid-19,” she said.

Ms Zakeyo’s used to sell tomatoes and other items in a makeshift shelter before the outbreak of Covid-19 but her business collapsed due to the pandemic. - ZANIS/