Loyce Chipeta told Zodiak Online that she has been greatly affected by the impact of Covid-19 pandemic as she has been failing to fend for three orphans she is living with.

"Today, the government has given me this money. I am intending to invest in a small business to make a living with the children of my late sister,” said after cashing out her money from a service money provider, in Lilongwe.

Vulnerable urban households from the cities of Mzuzu, Lilongwe, Blantyre, and Zomba are receiving the money to reduce social impacts of Covid-19.

The households are pocketing K35,000 per month for three months starting from January 2021.

Director of Poverty Reduction and Social Protection, Patricia Zimpita says the programme has started on a good note.

"So far, we have not received any complaints from our beneficiaries. But, those with issues can call TNM 105 OR Airtel on 121. And we also have a toll-free number 351,” said Zimpita.

The initiative is being implemented with financial support from the World Bank, European Union, Governments of German and Irish, ILO, WFP and UNICEF.