The World Bank (WB) has approved 50 million U.S. dollars in credit to support the Malawi Social Action Fund (MASAF).
The second phase of Malawi Third Social Action Fund (MASAF 3 APL II), which is expected to run from the end of 2008 to 2013, will use the money to improve the livelihood of poor people in Malawi.
MASAF 3 APL II emphasizes livelihood support and improving the delivery structure for local assemblies, within the framework of improved local governance at community, local authority and national levels.
Unlike the previous MASAF programs which were jointly implemented by local assemblies and MASAF Secretariat, MASAF 3 APLII will be carried out completely by local assemblies. MASAF Secretariat instead has been designated as a technical support unit within the Ministry of Finance responsible for definition of rules and procedures, monitoring compliance and national reporting.
"The value of this new implementation arrangement is that it will help strengthen the capacity of local assemblies to take charge of their development programs, in line with the process of decentralization," said Timothy Gilbo, Country Manager for Malawi.
Infrastructure-oriented MASAF 1 and MASAF 2 were implemented between 1995 and 2002 when the World Bank provided over 120 million dollars in loan to support the construction of schools, water points, bridges, clinics, among other public works projects.
Source:Xinhua
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