MUSOMA: Twenty-one groups comprising youth, women, and people with disabilities in Musoma District have received a significant boost with the disbursement of 400m/- in interest-free loans.
The funds, provided by the District Council, are expected to empower these groups and contribute to local economic growth.
Speaking at the handover event, Musoma District Commissioner Juma Chikoka, who was a guest of honor, encouraged effective utilisation and proper management of the fund for positive outcome to alleviate poverty.
“I know that the President (Samia Suluhu Hassan) put on hold this loan scheme a year ago for some improvement so that they could be more effective.
Now the scheme is being officially restarted and loans are being disbursed again. We are proud as people of Musoma,” said Mr Chikoka.
He extended gratitude to President Samia for the initiative and her good intentions to improve and enhance the Scheme.
On his part, Musoma Rural Member of Parliament Professor Sospeter Muhongo urged the beneficiaries to utilise these funds, which represent 10 per cent of the council’s revenues, for investment in productive opportunities available to them.
“These funds come from 10 per cent of the council’s internal revenue. I urge you all to focus on solid investments that will lead to production,” said Prof. Muhongo.
He emphasised “Tanzanians must produce, especially those of us in rural areas. Therefore, the top investment priority for Musoma rural should be agriculture, fishing, and livestock.”
Reiterating the importance of modern irrigation farming, he encouraged the people of Musoma Rural to engage in this practice.
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He also urged them to take advantage of investment opportunities available through Lake Victoria, noting that the constituency is largely situated along the lake, with 18 out of 21 wards directly around the water.
“We need drying facilities for fish like sardines in Busekela and Bwai. I have been told that a group could apply for a loan of around 120m/- but the council itself could also make it as its project for income generation,” he said.
A representative of the beneficiaries with disabilities expressed gratitude to the government for providing these loans, saying that would serve as a catalyst to encourage others who have not yet started, to seize the opportunity.
“We waited a long time for these loans, and now we are thankful for recognising us. There are many people with disabilities who are afraid to come, but my presence here will help us assist others to reach this point,” he said.
Another representative from the youth groups stated that they will use wisely the loans by producing and repaying them on time, so as others can benefit also.
So far, 316 groups have been formed and registered, with 72 youth groups, 219 women’s groups, and 25 groups for persons with disabilities.
These groups are engaged in activities such as mining, livestock farming, fish trading, grain sales, tailoring, cooking, renting event tents and chairs as well as transporting goods and passengers.
