Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga has raised concern about the low uptake of the Hustler Fund and other government loans by youth and women in the Coast region.

Chidzuga told the youth not to shy away from taking empowerment funds, loans included, from the national government.

She said the uptake of the funds by women and youth from the Coast region was low compared to other regions.

“We have Hustler, Youth and Women Funds that have been introduced by the government to empower women and youth groups across the country. Let our people register and get these funds to start businesses,” she said.

Chidzuga said statistics had shown that youth and women in Coast region were not taking advantage of the loans to improve their lives.

“As leaders we have the duty to encourage our people to access these credit facilities from the government. Let our people not remain behind in the uptake of these loans,” said Chidzuga.

Affordable housing

“Apart from Hustlers Fund which empowers us we also have the affordable housing project which employs hundreds of youths. Here at home, we have a governor who is prioritising the award of tenders to women and youth groups. These are the leaders we want and we should therefore cooperate and work with them for the benefit of our people,” she said.