The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has urged beneficiaries of the village banking programme in Senanga district to pay back the loans given to them.
Senanga District Community Development Assistant Maureen Mushima said women getting the village banking money should help empower other women by paying back the money, in order to ensure sustainability of the initiative.
Mrs Mushima said failure to pay the loans will result in continued poverty in women because very few women will be benefiting.
She added village banking has recorded a number of success stories in the district and more women are able to sustain themselves through this initiative.
And the beneficiaries of village banking in the district have expressed happiness for the initiative made by the Ministry of Community Development by empowering them with loans.
A beneficiary Muzibwa Masheke said the loan has helped her boost her business, while another beneficiary Mildred Tembo, thanked the authority for coming to the aide of the vulnerable women in the district.
Ms Tembo said the ministry is also helping the women with knowledge on how to save money, as they are allowed to deposit in small amounts and later withdraw the money when in need.
She hoped that other women can take up the opportunity and be part of village banking for them to be empowered.
The women said village banking has helped with empowering them and providing food security in their homes.
Village banking is an initiative by the government through Ministry Of Community Development And Social Services aimed at empowering women in rural areas start up small businesses to earn a livelihood.
Why should they payback when some known minister did not pay the CDF funds till now? Fire tender etc
Ministers did not pay back salaries even after the Concourt ruled against them, are they above the rule of law?