By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, September 18, Mana: Vice President Dr. Michael Usi has challenged National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) to expedite the disbursement of loans especially those relating to agriculture as the growing season is nearing.

Speaking to the fund beneficiaries at Chinkhoma, Traditional Authority Njombwa in Kasungu on Wednesday, Usi said government has removed some bottlenecks such as collateral on some loans so that poor and vulnerable Malawians are able to access the loans.

"As leaders, our duty is to diligently serve the people by making decisions that make life better for everyone.

"This is why we removed the requirement for collateral for those that cannot afford. But when we get loans, we must pay them back," he said.

The Vice President, took time to encourage women and youths to apply for NEEF loans so that they become economically independent.

He said: "We must keep ourselves productively busy. With the loans we get, we must also remember to build houses apart from the vehicles we have seen.

"Let's be united; let's work together and work hard to deal with the challenges that we face."

NEEF Board Director, Thabi Chilongo said the economic fund has so far disbursed MK130 billion of loans across the country with Kasungu topping the list of repayments.

Chilongo said over 6,700 people have benefitted from NEEF loans in Kasungu alone, creating over 15,000 jobs.

"We are pleased to inform everyone that MK247 million has already been approved as Vuka Loans for Kasungu. These loans do not require collateral and we will start disbursing very soon.

"We encourage everyone to apply for these loans which range from MK150 000 to MK1 million," he said.

One of the beneficiaries Phyless Kamatenda thanked government for the loans which she said have helped them to acquire assets such as vehicles and motorcycles.

Kamatenda also appealed for better markets for crops saying those taking agriculture loans sell their produce to vendors at unprofitable prices.

Later, Usi, who was on his way to the northern region, also toured a cooking oil factory owned by Bomfa Cooperative in Traditional Authority Mphomwa in Kasungu.