Rukwa residents to benefit from IMASA programme
RUKWA: THE Samia Economic Empowerment Programme (Imarisha Uchumi na Mama Samia – IMASA) programme has officially been launched at the regional level in Rukwa, being part of the government’s efforts to empower citizens economically.
The National Economic Empowerment Council’s (NEEC) Executive Secretary, Ms Beng’i Issa, said the programme will focus on empowering women, youth and people with special needs across all 31 regions of mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
She made the remarks during the meeting held on Tuesday in Sumbawanga – Rukwa between NEEC and Rukwa regional leaders.
She said already the programme has been launched in 22 regions including Rukwa, saying the remaining regions are Kigoma, Kagera, Mwanza and Tabora as well as five regions in Zanzibar.
“Initially, the programme targeted to reach 65,000 people in all 31 regions but so far we have reached 100,000 people in 22 regions with remaining of four regions in Tanzania and five regions in Zanzibar” she added.
Additionally, she further highlighted that so far that Tanzania has a significant opportunity for greater economic growth through the empowerment of its citizens.
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Despite various efforts already made by the government to uplift citizens economically, we must intensify these efforts to achieve our national goals “she stated.
Ms Issa further elaborated that various government and non-governmental organisations would participate in implementing the initiative to ensure that the targeted groups receive full support.
The Kalambo District Commissioner (DC) Dr Lazaro Komba revealed that by June 30th this year, the region had received over 1.81bn/- allocated to women, youth and disabled fund accounts for providing loans to identified groups within the region.
Dr Komba represented Rukwa Regional Commissioner (RC) Mr Makongoro Nyerere during the meeting.
He elaborated that the four councils in the region have announced the reopening of its loan window, to support women, youth.
The loan window will remain open until the end of next month.
Equally, Dr Komba expressed warm appreciations for the programme launch in the region.
He also extended her gratitude to President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan for her tireless efforts to uplift the economic status of Tanzanians.
