Government has awarded over 2 million Kwacha as empowerment loans to 36 beneficiaries of Mtendere Ward 34 in Munali Constituency.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Elton Mposha says that beneficiaries have an obligation to pay back the loans in order to create a revolving fund.

He adds that the loans will unlock business potential and enable the beneficiaries to expand businesses thereby contributing to national development.

“Gone are the days for just sending applications when you can form a group, apply for funding and start a business that will create jobs for other members of the community,” said Mr Mposha.

Mr Mposha also said the government has contracted  Zambia National Service to  rehabilitate Mahatma Gandhi playgrounds and Construct 6.18 Kilometers of main roads in the surrounding areas.

And Lusaka Mayor, Chilando Chitangala, who was represented by Mtendere Ward 34 councilor of Borniface Chibeka, called on the government to procure more desks for schools, due to the increase in number  of learners necessitated by free education.

Meanwhile, a loan beneficiary, Garson Lusaka has urged his fellow beneficiaries to diversify their investment in order to have continuous income that will make paying back the loans.

Mr Lusaka said he is grateful to the government for bringing up such an initiative.