Deputy British High Commissioner to Zambia, Mr Sam Waldock, has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing rapid assessment and enumeration of beneficiaries for the Emergency Cash Transfer, following the declaration of a state of emergency as a result of crop failure.

In the company of the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Permanent Secretary, Ms Angela Kawandami, UNICEF, and World Bank delegation, Mr Waldock was in Siavonga to monitor the exercise and interact with Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries to appreciate their challenges amidst the drought situation.

Mr Waldock who earlier paid a courtesy call to Siavonga district Commissioner, Mr Geoffrey Jakopo, appreciated the efforts being put in place to mitigate the hunger situation through the Emergency Cash Transfers which will be paid out after the assessment is done.

He is saddened that Zambia is facing one of the worst droughts, resulting in people resorting to wild fruits to survive, but assured that the British Government will support Zambia in its endeavor to protect citizens amidst the crisis.

To the enumerators, Mr Waldock applauded their hard work and encouraged them to endure amidst various challenges, bearing in mind the enormous task ahead.

He pledged continued British support to address the hunger situation in Zambia and appreciated everyone’s support during this difficult time.

And Ms Kawandami encouraged the enumerators to work towards meeting the 7th May enumeration deadline for effective and timely implementation of the emergency exercise.

Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries and those earmarked to benefit from the Emergency Cash Transfer, on the other hand, have appreciated the response and support from cooperating partners and the Government amidst the hunger situation.

Ms Laiza Makala of Simamba ward said that due to crop failure, finding food has been a challenge, forcing people to resort to wild fruits, but said she is comforted that interventions such as the Emergency Cash Transfer will help them navigate through the hunger challenges they are facing.

And Siavonga district Commissioner, Mr Geoffrey Jakopo, admitted that the situation in Siavionga is dire and requires multi-sectoral support.

The Government is targeting to reach over 365,380 households country-wide through Emergency Cash Transfers in response to the prevailing hunger situation exacerbated by crop failure as a result of the drought situation.