The Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC)  says  it is concerned about the low repayment in Northern Province.

CEEC District Aquaculture Business Extension Officer Chiboola Kaswaya, says to date only K 150, 000 the from over K7.9 million disbursed to 53 beneficiaries under Kasama district last year.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS , Mr. Kawaya disclosed that his Commission has so far recovered over K150 000 under the aquaculture seed fund for 2023.

“In 2023 we disbursed funds to 53 individuals and cooperatives under the aquaculture seed fund,” he said.

He  added that the development is affecting the further disbursement of loans to other beneficiaries.

“We have a challenge with people paying back the monies so that others benefit, as you are aware these are revolving funds which should benefit other people too,” he explained.

The Extension Officer has since appealed to both individuals and cooperatives who acquired the funds to pay back the loans to the commission.

“I would like to appeal to our clients to be paying the loans timely, we know production is sometimes challenging but the beneficiaries should strive to pay back,” he said.

Disclosing that ten beneficiaries from the 53 were partially paid, he however assured would be beneficiaries that funds will be disbursed as soon as the commission builds the disbursement account through loan recoveries.