Extension workers in the impact districts where the climate smart Enhanced Pubic Works program (EPWP) is being piloted have been equipped with skills and knowledge on how to manage and effectively implement the program.

EPWP is being piloted in the Chitipa, Karonga, Kasungu, Nkhotakota, Lilongwe, Dowa, Phalombe, Chiradzulu, Balaka and Blantyre districts.

Extension workers, who are the frontline staff in the program’s implementation, were oriented on Watershed Management Practises and principles and steps to follow in implementing the project. They were also briefed on what EPWP is all about.

Extension workers in the four impact districts in the Southern Region described the training as a milestone saying the skills gained will enable them effectively implement the program.

Blantyre District Council Agricultural Extension Development Officer, Patrick Chisakasa, said the training has accorded him best practices on how to approach the program.

“This is a new approach and with the skills imparted to us we expect the program to have more impact. Now we know how to approach this program for impact in the catchment areas,” he said.

He observed that it is important for extension workers to do more to ensure that the program realises its objectives.

Balaka District Council Community Development Assistant, Rose Mazibuko hailed the training saying now that they are well equipped with knowledge and skills, they will work for the benefit of the people in the micro catchment areas and the district as a whole.

She was optimistic that there will be proper coordination between extension workers from different departments as well as the beneficiaries for the success of the program.

“We are looking forward to the actual dates when the activities will be starting. I’m looking forward to taking part in identification of the beneficiaries as well as identification of the projects mainly the start-up activities for this program,” she said.

Chiradzulu District Council Assistant Irrigation Engineer, Vincent Chisomo Mlenga concurred with this counterparts saying the training was important as it has enlightened them in aspects such as development of Village Level Action Plan, safeguards and environmental impact assessment among others.

He said the issues learnt will work to the stakeholders benefit of effective implementation of the program from identification of beneficiaries to the actual implementation.

“We have also learnt how we are going to conduct ourselves to the community with this pilot project so that it has to be a success. We need to do to the best of our ability so that the EPWP is a success to the district as well as to the nation,” he said.

He appealed to fellow extension workers to put into practice whatever they have learnt when they go out to the communities.

Phalombe District Council Assistant Community Development Officer, Sydney Nkata, hailed the training saying it will go a long way in bringing extension workers to work together despite coming from different sectors of the council.

Phalombe District Irrigation Officer who is also Acting Director of Public Works, Transio Kandinga said the training has given them the technical know-how on implementing activities in the program.

EPWP aims at conserving natural resources in order to create quality and sustainable community assets through catchment management approach.

It targets 1,000 beneficiaries in each of the impact districts with a micro catchment of not exceeding 250 acres.