National Local Government Finance Committee (NLGFC) says adhering to safeguards is key determinant for successful implementation of projects in communities.

Speaking during an inter-district learning visit at Mpherere micro-catchment in Kasungu and in Balaka district, Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialist at NLGFC Ephron Gausi said, ‘inter-district learning visits are organized to share experiences and best practice on progress of safeguards according to Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)’.

Gausi said implementation of safeguards in the EPWP pilot project also meets requirements in Environmental and Social Safeguards laws and policies of Malawi Government’s Environmental Management Act of 2017 and are in line with World Bank policies in project implementation.

On his part, Michael Makonombera, Deputy Director at the Environmental Affairs Department responsible for information, education and outreach, said safeguards ensure that people and the environment are protected from potential adverse impact arising from implementation of project activities.

‘Following of environmental and social safeguards in project implementation minimizes adverse risks that come with non-adherence to basic safeguards’.

Makonombera said local communities whose livelihoods depend on natural resources stand to benefit when they take lead in identifying, planning and implementing appropriate interventions and guidelines to be followed during course of project’.

Kasungu and Balaka EPWP pilot project micro catchment committees, which hosted the visits, are adhering to safeguards. Some of them include, provision of site sanitary facilities, condoms, generation of awareness meetings on environmental and social safeguards at all sub-project levels, observance of COVID -19 preventive measures and provision of potable drinking water.

The communities have also revamped Grievance Redress Mechanism Committees (GRMCs) to resolve complaints as they emerge at the micro-catchment level.