Dodoma CC issues 9.1bn/- loans to special group

DODOMA: OVER 9bn/- has been issued by the Dodoma City Council in interest-free loans during the sixth-phase government to empower women, youth and persons with disabilities, benefiting nearly 5,000 individuals.

The 9.1bn/- loan, drawn from 10 per cent of the council’s internal revenues, are allocated in a 4:4:2 ratio four per cent each for women and youth and two per cent for persons with disabilities.

Speaking in Dodoma, the Council’s Head of Community Development Division, Ms Charity Sichona, said the loans have supported 767 groups, comprising 407 women groups, 279 youth groups and 81 groups of people with disabilities.

“This initiative is a clear reflection of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s commitment to economic empowerment. Her vision is to reduce dependency, poverty and gender-based violence by enabling these groups to generate their own income,” Ms Sichona noted.

She revealed that in Matumbulu Ward alone, the council has disbursed 100m/- to five groups engaging in various incomegenerating activities such as poultry farming, rabbit keeping, fish farming and grape cultivation.

“The government’s objective is to uplift communities and improve living standards by enabling citizens to engage in sustainable development projects,” she added.

Community members who meet the required criteria have been urged to take advantage of the soft loans to initiate viable projects that contribute to individual and national economic growth.

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Matumbulu Ward Community Development Officer, Ms Merina Gombo, described the loans as a lifeline for vulnerable groups, especially women, enabling them to achieve economic independence.

She lauded President Samia for prioritising marginalised groups in development agendas and encouraged women to take full advantage of the initiative. “I urge women to seize this opportunity.

A good example is the Kilasara women’s group that used their loan for poultry farming and are now reaping profits, expanding into new ventures.

This shows that discipline and hard work are key to success,” said Ms Gombo. Kilasara Women’s Group, Chairperson, Ms Judika Urio, expressed her gratitude to President Samia, calling on fellow women to return the favour through productivity and responsible loan management.

“We must be thankful to our President for this opportunity and honour it by working hard. The loan process is simple for those who qualify and we should protect this chance by being trustworthy,” she urged.

Mr Isack Benjamin, Chairperson of Kaunda Youth Group engaged in grape farming, said the group received a 20m/- loan, which has helped them grow their income and support their families.

“We are grateful to the government for recognising the potential of youth. With the loan, we’ve been able to invest in agriculture and the returns are already making a difference in our lives,” he said.