By Kassim Kajosolo
The National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) has pledged to strengthen efforts to make the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program (CS-EPWP) inclusive of persons with disabilities, following a meeting with three organisations of persons with disabilities in Lilongwe.
The meeting was initiated by the Association of the Physically Disabled in Malawi (APDM), Disability Rights Organisation Movement (DROM), and the Chilaweni Forum for Special Needs (CFSN). The organisations wanted clarity on how persons with disabilities are participating in CS-EPWP, a flagship government program aimed at strengthening livelihoods and resilience through climate-smart initiatives.
Speaking after the meeting, Charles Khaula, Executive Director of APDM, said the engagement was fruitful as NLGFC officials acknowledged the gaps that still exist.
“The meeting was successful because NLGFC admitted that some challenges need to be addressed to make the program disability inclusive. While some persons with disabilities are benefiting through their households, they may not be directly taking part in the works. We also learned that NLGFC has no specific data on how many persons with disabilities are currently participating,” said Khaula.
Among the resolutions, NLGFC committed to; Involving organisations of persons with disabilities in project planning, Ensuring deliberate inclusion of persons with disabilities in public works at the community level and improving data collection to capture the participation of persons with disabilities.
Robens Gausi, NLGFC’s social support programme Manager, confirmed the resolutions and said the committee is determined to work with disability organisations to improve inclusivity.
“As NLGFC, we recognise the importance of making government programs inclusive. The concerns raised are valid, and we are committed to engaging organisations of persons with disabilities in planning and monitoring so that no one is left behind,” Gausi said.
Khaula concluded by stressing that the disability movement will continue to hold the committee accountable.
“We will continue to engage NLGFC to ensure that all agreed commitments are implemented, and that persons with disabilities are fully involved in all programs under the Social Support for Resilient Livelihood Project,” he said.
The CS-EPWP is part of Malawi’s broader efforts to strengthen social protection and resilience, particularly in communities affected by climate change.
Three organisations, Association of the Physically Disabled in Malawi (APDM), Disability Rights Movement Organisation (DROM) and Chilaweni Forum for Special Needs (CFSN) formed a coalition to run a project focusing on “Inclusion in all government social protection project” Funded by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF).