SPP task force starts research

THE national task force on social protection policy (SPP) has started formulating research and investigation strategies for the policy aimed at empowering the less privileged to rise from their level of poverty.
The SPP wants the poor to fully participate and benefit from economic activities in the country.
Team leader and Community Development secretary Joseph Klapat said initial preparations had begun with engaging communities in active participation in the formation of SPP.
“This will be the first time the poor and less privileged communities will participate directly in the establishment of a policy,” Mr Klapat said.
The team, led by Mr Klapat, held a media briefing last Thursday to present their views and terms of reference outlining some of the activities they would be undertaking in research and policy implementation over the next 12 months.
SPP seeks to address poverty reduction by promoting efficient labour markets, reducing people’s exposure to risks and enhancing their capacity to cope with hazards or loss of income.
A budget of K2 million was approved by the National Executive Council (NEC) for the task force to undertake the investigation and reporting.
Members of the task force comprises of heads of departments of Community Development, Provincial Government and Local Level Government Affairs, Education, National Planning and Monitoring, Treasury, Labour and Employment, Agriculture and Livestock and Health.
The SPP targets the elderly, people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, most vulnerable children, widows, single parents, sex workers, abused men and women, displaced people due to natural and man-made disasters, unemployed and under-employed young people, victims of drug and alcohol substance abuse, landless and homeless and mentally-affected people.