The Prudent utilization of Empowerment Funds obtained by Youths in North-Western Province has cheered Government.
North-Western Provincial Permanent Secretary Willies Manjimela says it is gratifying to note that over 500 youth cooperatives that benefited from the empowerment funds are running active businesses in the province.
Mr Manjimela has since encouraged youth cooperatives who intend to apply for loans to go ahead and submit their proposals.
He says the empowerment programme is an on going initiative and is not in any way tied to elections.
He appealed to those who have not yet received their payments to be patient as government is working hard to ensure that they are paid on time.
Mr Manjimela thanked President Edgar Lungu for ensuring that youths in North-Western province are not left out in the implementation of the programme.
MrManjimela was speaking when Ministry of Youth, Sports and Child Development acting Permanent Secretary Cade Chikobo paid a courtesy call on him.
The Ministry later handed over a 28 seat Rosa bus worth over K400,000 to Masa Cooperative of Chavuma District.
And Mr Chikobo said the Ministry wants to empower many youths in the transport sector to boost the revenue base.
Mr Chikobo explained that some youth cooperatives who have not yet received their payments to date, submitted wrong bank account details to the ministry.
He assured beneficiaries who have not yet received their money to be patient as the Ministry is now working with provincial administration officers to handle the payment processes.
