Dodoma disburses 9.1bn/- in loans to empower communities

DODOMA: DODOMA City Council has disbursed 9.1bn/- in loans to support women, youth, and people with disabilities between 2020 and 2023, benefiting 767 groups and a total of 4,883 individuals.

According to the acting Community Development Officer for Dodoma Municipality, Mr Patrick Sebyiga the loan programme has supported 407 women’s groups, 279 youth groups, and 81 groups of people with disabilities.

Speaking after an inspection tour by the CCM District Political Committee to assess development projects in the city, Sebyiga said the programme’s positive impact on poverty alleviation.

“This loan programme has greatly benefited many. For instance, the group we visited today is engaged in livestock farming. Their business, along with government support, has thrived thanks to a loan of about 20m/-, improving their income and overall well-being,” he explained.

However, Mr Sebyiga acknowledged challenges in loan repayment, particularly among youth groups, who sometimes divert funds to activities not planned in their original proposals.

“The biggest challenge comes from youth groups. Some use the loans for purposes different from what they initially proposed. I urge beneficiaries to stick to their business plans to ensure sustainable repayment and growth,” he said.

He also encouraged eligible citizens to take advantage of the opportunity, stressing that the loans are designed to empower them.

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“We urge residents to apply through their ward offices. These funds are available to help enhance their development activities,” Mr Sebyiga added.