Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) says Government’s move to launch the emergency cash transfer aimed at cushioning negative economic effects of COVID-19 on households is a positive intervention.
JCTR Executive Director Father Alex Muyebe told Money FM News that the organization heartily welcomes the development because it aims to cushion the suffering of the vulnerable and marginalized people who have been affected and left helpless by the pandemic.
Fr. Muyebe said one notable negative effect of the pandemic has been the disruptions of livelihoods, hence timely, responsive, effective and efficient social protection systems remain crucial to safeguarding the poor and vulnerable in Zambia.
“The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) heartily welcomes Government’s move to launch the emergency cash transfer aimed at cushioning negative economic effects of COVID-19 on households.”
“The government emergency support will be in form of cash transfers and food packs and is not under the regular social cash transfer programme but a temporary social safety net that has been introduced to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 on vulnerable households,” Fr. Muyebe stated.
Meanwhile, Fr. Muyebe said JCTR is of the view that although not all the vulnerable people will be able to receive the emergency support due to limited resources, the COVID-19 Emergency Social Cash Transfer programme is a positive move as far as providing relief and support to some households is concerned.
He however appealed to Government to proactively prioritize, scale up and extend such interventions to a wider population because some households that may have been financially well before the outbreak of the pandemic, have fallen into the poverty trap.
“Furthermore, JCTR would like to caution authorities responsible for the emergency support programme to ensure the cash transfer and the food pack benefits the targeted beneficiaries. Proper accountability and transparency is needed to ensure that the resources are not mismanaged, end up with people who do not deserve support, or worse off be used for individual benefits.”
“It is imperative that the targeted beneficiaries receive the support which was provided at great cost by cooperating partners. Therefore, efficiency and effective running of the emergency support programme is key,” Fr. Muyebe said.
According to the Ministry of Community Development, a transfer value of K400 per month shall be given to beneficiaries who are already in the database for a period of six months to enable them buy nutritious foods and other basic essentials.