Government suspends Cash for Work scheme for nationwide review

By MWAKA MWANSA

THE Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development has temporarily suspended the Cash for Work programme to allow for a comprehensive reconciliation and review of its implementation guidelines.
Permanent Secretary for Administration, Dr. Gabriel Pollen, announced the suspension during a press briefing, saying the pause will enable authorities to strengthen the programme and prevent misuse of public resources.
Dr Pollen said the review will focus on improving accountability systems and ensuring that beneficiaries are properly verified to avoid duplication and what he termed as “double dipping” – where individuals benefit from multiple government welfare programmes simultaneously.
Dr. Pollen disclosed that the ministry has an outstanding balance of K23 million in unpaid wages under the programme, but assured that funds have been allocated to clear all arrears.
He explained that the review process will include consolidating data across ministries to establish a single, reliable beneficiary register. This, he said, will ensure that those enrolled in other social assistance schemes, such as the Social Cash Transfer programme, do not also participate in the Cash for Work initiative.
“The reconciliation process is necessary to safeguard the integrity of government programmes and ensure that only deserving citizens benefit,” Dr. Pollen emphasised.
He reiterated that the ministry remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the administration of social protection interventions.
The Cash for Work programme, which provides temporary employment opportunities to vulnerable citizens through community projects, has been a vital source of income for thousands of households across the country. The ministry has not specified how long the suspension will last but says updates will be communicated once the review is complete.