Malawi’s uncontrolled population growth stands to defeat the core objective of the Productive Public Works Programme (PPWP) of the Local Development Fund (LDF), The Daily Times has observed.
Inaugurated on September 16, 2014 under Masaf 4 the Public Works Programme aims at providing about 450,000 poor and vulnerable households with a source of income while they effectively contribute to acquisition of productive assets for their communities.
However, the United Nations says over half of the 17 million Malawians survive on less than a dollar a day which statistically translates to an average of 1.4 million households.
With just 450,000 enlisted for the PWP, it means a majority of deserving homesteads continue to wallow in stinking poverty in the wake of Malawi’s ruined economy.
One beneficiary Rensard Bulambo from Ifumbo in Chitipa attested to the observation and said there is need to tackle overpopulation before investing in more social programmes for people’s economic empowerment.
Bulambo said since the Farm Input and Malata subsidy programmes have failed to change the poverty situation in the country, it is time to explore practical solutions.
“We appreciate government’s efforts but for now, we can work at stabilising our population growth rate. We need manageable numbers so that the few resources that trickle down to the grassroots can cater for everyone,” explained Bulambo a retired civil servant.
Chairperson for Masyesye Village Development Committee (VDC), Bernard Sikwese, also acknowledged the problem. Sikwese said apart from failing to reach out to everyone, PWP remains a challenge due to Malawi’s ailing economy.
He observed that due to soaring prices of goods, beneficiaries are unable to acquire everything they need to improve their lives. Sikwese said they get K14,000 for every 24 days or K7, 000 for 12 days of work, arguing that the money is not enough to solve their problems.
“We can put our population in check yes, but that will be more meaningful if we add value to our currency so that the few that benefit from these social programmes ably graduate from their poverty and give room to others. Let Malawi correct her economy,” he advised.
Chitipa has 9,040 beneficiaries of PWP.
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