BY Sandra Chuungu
CHIKANKATA District Council has disclosed that the first batch of 54 beneficiaries per ward under the cash for work program has been cleared for payment.
This update was shared by Council Chairperson Cornald Ngoma, who stated that the second batch of 250 beneficiaries per ward is still pending, with only 54 beneficiaries per ward having submitted their lists so far. 
According to Ngoma, the remaining 196 beneficiaries are still working in most wards, and to avoid delays, the Council will proceed with paying the initial 54 beneficiaries per ward.
Mr Ngoma added that the Council has discovered that some wards recruited multiple groups of 54 beneficiaries in September, October, and November, and ward officials are advised to consolidate these lists to ensure all beneficiaries receive payment.
Ngoma urged Honorable Councilors to closely monitor the program, verify beneficiary information, and facilitate timely remittance of paperwork to avoid delays in payment.
The council chair said the second batch of 54 beneficiaries is expected to receive their payments today or tomorrow morning.
He also stated that the cash for work program is a government initiative aimed at providing employment opportunities for cash wages to support drought-affected communities.
Mr Ngoma pointed out that Beneficiaries of the program receive K 60.00 daily and a maximum monthly payment of K 600.00 upon work completion.
