Dowa Officials Train Local Teams to Handle Public Works Disputes
The CS-EPWP program implements climate-focused public works projects across Malawi.
DOWA, Malawi— Local committees managing climate-smart public works projects in Dowa district received training Friday on resolving worker grievances and handling payment disputes, writes Sylvester Kumwenda, MANA.
The training at Kaphirisiwa catchment focused on equipping Catchment Management Committees and foremen with protocols for addressing worker complaints under the Climate Smart Enhanced Public Works Program (CS-EPWP).
"We want all participants in the project to be happy and comfortable while doing their work," said District Project Facilitator Kingster Kathumba.
"This will help them better serve the participants hence improving the quality of work done at catchment level."
The sessions covered case management procedures, enrollment protocols, and payment claim processes.
Officials aim to resolve most issues at the local level rather than escalating them to district authorities.
"Sometimes we did not know how to handle some issues and we could depend on upper structures which somehow affected project implementation," said Harold Baziwelo, chairman of the Kaphirisiwa catchment committee.
Robins Gausi, capacity development specialist for the National Local Government Finance Committee, said empowering local committees should reduce the number of cases reaching the district council level.
The CS-EPWP program implements climate-focused public works projects across Malawi.
District Commissioner Stallichi Mwambiwa said the training was timely as several workers had recently requested clarification on program procedures.