PRESS RELEASE
(For immediate release)
10th July, 2026

LUSAKA: The Government, through the Treasury, has released K150 million to enable all Local Authorities commence the implementation of the revised Cash for Work (C4W), targeting a total of 221, 500 beneficiaries across all the 156 Constituencies.

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary (Technical Services) Mr. Nicholas Phiri announced the development at a Press briefing today, and confirmed that the funds have been dispatched to Local Authorities to ensure the C4W programme begins without delay.

Mr Phiri directed all Local Authorities to commence the community recruitments of the eligible beneficiaries and project selection immediately.

He emphasised that the C4W programme forms part of the Government’s strategic response to mitigate economic shocks and support vulnerable households through community-led public works.

“Local Authorities are hereby directed to implement this programme with immediate effect. By rolling this out across every single Constituency, we ensure that no community is left behind, creating immediate employment opportunities where they are needed most,” Mr. Phiri stated.

The Permanent Secretary further tasked all Town Clerks and Council Secretaries to ensure strict accountability, transparency, and fairness in the selection of beneficiaries to guarantee that the relief reaches the intended households.

He encouraged all eligible community members are encouraged to visit their local ward development committee or council offices to register for the upcoming infrastructure and environmental cleanup projects.

Building on lessons from the C4W Phase-one, the Permanent Secretary announced that the Government has made several critical adjustments to the programme that include; digital registration of the beneficiaries by using an application linked to the Zambia Social Protection Integrated Management System, and the Zambia Information and Technology Authority to automatically confirm eligibility, eliminate duplication, flag-off double dipping, thereby ensuring validity of details and transparency in recruitment, as well as reduce corruption.

Issued by:

(Original copy signed)
The Public Relations Unit
MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
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