Thu, 15 Feb 2018 09:15:35 +0000
By JACKSON MAPAPAYI
EIGHTY women in Ikelengi have benefited from collateral free loans amounting to over K67, 000 through the village banking program spearheaded by the department of community development with the support from the Finish government.
The initiative is under the decentralised forest and other natural resources management programme.
Speaking at the weekend during the disbursement of the funds, Assistant Community Development Officer, Kennedy Chishete, said the loans were meant to empower the women so that they can develop their enterprises.
Mr Chishete said the village banking scheme was very sustainable as it operates on a principle of a revolving fund.
He urged the beneficiaries to pay back within the stipulated time frame of six months to enable other women from benefiting.
And District Commissioner Victor Kayekesi said the PF government under the leadership of President Edger Lungu remains committed to ensuring that Zambia becomes a middle income country by 2030 adding that collateral free loans women have been receiving were a sure way to promoting wealth creation, reduce poverty and bring prosperity among the Zambian people.
He also commended the Finish government for the partnership in the village banking program.
Speaking at the same event, Chieftainess Ikelenge commended the department of community development for empowering women with loans under village banking program in her Chiefdom.
Chieftainess Ikelenge said such empowerment programs would bridge the economic gender gap between men and women.
“I want to thank and commend government for this initiative to empower women in my chiefdom because the initiative will go a long way in addressing some of the challenges our women are facing, “the traditional leader said.
