The Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) in Northern Province says it has started processing applications for empowerment funds meant to respond to the drought and load shedding challenges being experienced in the country.

CEEC Provincial Coordinator, James Nkole said this follows an invitation for applications by the Commission as  emergency response to the drought and load shedding. 

Mr Nkole explained that the move was necessitated by the current load shedding that the country is currently experiencing due to poor rainfall patterns.

He said support will be given to business entities operating in the province from both the Kasama industrial yard and those operating in other areas.

“The commission recently advertised that the empowerment funds are meant for both those occupying the industry yard and the people outside. The call was called a special call in the sense that it is meant to respond to the emergency call meant to address the drought and load-shedding challenge that we are currently experiencing,” he said.

Mr Nkole further said the funds are meant to empower people in categories such as agro-mechanization, irrigation and energy support, as well as small solar hammer mills.

Mr Nkole highlighted that the funds will also enable beneficiaries to venture into winter maize production, which will increase agriculture production and stabilise maize supply.

“CEEC came up with a special call to empower agro-mechanisation, irrigation support, energy support, and small-scale hammer mills to respond to the emergency,” he said.