ONGWEDIVA – Four Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Oshikuku Constituency became the latest beneficiaries of the Omusati Regional Council’s Micro-Finance Programme on Wednesday as they received materials and equipment worth approximately N$ 58 000.
The projects, ranging from the printing shop, welding and fabrication assembly, chicken farming and gardening benefited, after their owners applied for the Micro-Finance Scheme under the auspices of the Omusati Regional Council.
According to the Constituency Councillor of Oshikuku, Modestus Amutse, the equipment would assist local residences to start their own businesses and boost production capacities for the already existing businesses, thereby creating employment of the local residents especially the youth.
Amutse commended the recipients for their hard work and desire to create employment for themselves and encouraged other residents especially the youth to attend information sharing meetings on government programmes such as the Micro-Finance and cash for work so that they acquaint themselves with these programmes with a view to benefit.
Amutse explained that the projects that were chosen are those that attempt to meet the needs and challenges in terms of service within their communities. “By giving you these materials, it would not be the end of our assistance to you as you will continue receiving assistance from us especially in expanding your businesses and in making sure that your businesses remain viable and useful within your communities,” he said.
Amutse indicated that the Constituency Office has also set up appropriate follow-up programmes that requires constant visit to these projects to monitor the progress with view of mentoring the entrepreneurs and monitoring their activities in order to identify their future needs. “Trainings could also be arranged for you where necessary to ensure that you are equipped with the technical know-how of operating the machineries that you received today,” he said.
Eliakim Iipinge, one of the beneficiaries who received a computer, still camera, lamination machine, paper guillotine, chairs and a computer table for his printing shop at the value of over N$ 15 000, commended the Councillor for assisting young people in their quest to become entrepreneurs. “With these equipments, I am now be able to make copies, type documents and print wedding cards for residents in my community and they do not have to go far to Oshikuku to receive these services,” he said.