OMULONGA – The Micro-Finance Project introduced about five years ago under the Ministry of Regional and Local Government, Housing and Rural Development continues to empower and create job opportunities for people in the rural areas.
The project, designated to incorporate low-income members of society from the rural areas into the mainstream, is said to be progressing fairly well in the Ohangwena Region. Since its inception, the project has so far incorporated over 60 ventures.
The Chief Development Planner at the Ohangwena Regional Council, Peter Ndaweda, said the focal point is to create employment and increase the income of people who have ideas to make a difference in the lives of those in rural areas.
According to Ndaweda the regional council is not involved in the day-to-day running of the projects, however the beneficiaries are required to report to the council on their progress.
“We procure items on their behalf and then they report to us, but we visit the projects and motivate the beneficiaries to ensure progress in order to get more funding,” said Ndaweda.
Equally content with the progress of the micro-finance projects, which are funded through the regional councils, the Councillor of Omulonga Constituency in Ohangwena Region, Erickson Ndawanifa, said the scheme has financed about six projects in the constituency that have created employment for the local people.
Among these is an agricultural project funded to the tune of N$153 000 as a means to sustain the local community. According to Ndawanifa the project will provide food security to those living in the surrounding areas.
Other projects in the constituency include a chicken project, three tailoring projects, a brick laying project and an agricultural project.
The councillor advised the beneficiaries to jealously guard and maintain the projects in order to sustain themselves.
“Such projects are yours, handle them with care and do not allow them to close down,” said Ndawanifa.