By Prisca Mashushu

Lilongwe September 25, MANA: Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr Michael Usi has called for transparency and accountability when obtaining National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF) loans to ensure that every citizen should benefit from it.

Speaking, on Thursday when visiting Ntandile market in Lilongwe where he inspected different businesses run by small-scale entrepreneurs, Usi said it was relevant to inspect the market, to uplift and encourage people in various businesses.

“The government will ensure that NEEF loans are obtained by the people so that they can be able to boost their small-scale businesses by promoting economic development and growth.

“I would like to encourage transparency and accountability when obtaining the loans without considering political parties or the tribe of the people but rather it should benefit every citizen of the nation," he said

He has reminded people who took loans to pay them back timely to help others desiring to also take the loans for boosting their business.

Lilongwe city west, member of parliament, George Dzulu hailed Usi for inspecting the Ntandile market as it is currently facing tremendous challenges.

“We are pleased for the presence of the Vice President of the nation here at Ntandile market as it will be an opportunity to address some of the challenges that the market is currently facing including shortage of public toilets, lack of access to NEEF loans that might help small scale businesses to be uplifted.

 “Additionally, lack of capital has affected business people financially and the presence of the Vice president has given the people of Ntandile hope to boost their business,” he said.

NEEF has introduced loans without collateral as one way of helping people boost their businesses.