CRDB donates seven tonnes of maize seeds to Rufiji

COAST REGION: CRDB Bank has donated maize seeds valued at 50m/- to Rufiji farmers, Kibiti District in Coast Region who were affected by floods in the recent heavy ‘masika’ rains.

The donation worth 7,148.857 kilos of seeds was accompanied by special entrepreneurship training and financial education for women and youths under the Imbeju programme.

The seeds will be distributed to the farmers enabling them to return to normal life next farming season without taking into account the calamity they endured after floods.

CRDB Bank Foundation Managing Director Tully Esther Mwambapa said yesterday when handing over the donation to Rufiji DC Major Edward Gowele, that the impact of the floods on the residents was so severe and the need to give a helping hand.

“The foundation didn’t think twice, especially when the area member of parliament and a cabinet minister Mohammed Mchengerwa approached them for assistance,” Ms Mwambapa, who doubles as the bank’s Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations, said.

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The Rufiji DC Major Gowele thanked the CRDB for extending their helping hand to the farmers saying other lenders should follow suit with the gesture shown by the bank.

“My soul and heart, like many Rufiji people today (yesterday), leaped with joy and I am full of many thanks for this donation.

“This donation of corn seeds that you are handing over to us has come on time as it will help us get rid of the effects of flooding by reducing the cost of agriculture while guaranteeing us a good harvest next season,” said Major Gowele.

The government report showed that out of the 13 wards in Rufiji, 12 have been affected by the floods.

Assessments have revealed that 23,000 households have been affected, with a total of 88,000 individuals in need of essential services such as shelter, food and healthcare.