Micro Finance Programme empowers Oshikoto communities

OMUTHIYA, 29 MAY  – Eight projects in the Oshikoto Region were supported with a budget of nearly N$530 000 by Government’s Micro Finance Programme during the 2017/18 financial year.

This was announced by Oshikoto Governor, Henock Kankoshi during his State of the Region Address at Omuthiya on Tuesday.
He said the projects, in the constituencies of Tsumeb, Guinas, Nehale lyaMpingana, Omuthiya, Omuntele, Eengodi, Okankolo and Onyaanya, received funding of N$ 66 105 each.

These are mostly community-based projects engaged in income-generating activities such as butchery, milling, fisheries and sewing.

“The projects were supported to create employment opportunities in the rural areas and for rural inhabitants to generate income,” Kankoshi said.

He went on to say the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development in February this year also advanced additional funds of N$187 550 to the same programme for similar projects in the constituencies of Onayena, Oniipa and Eengodi.
These are Twahangana for Sure Furniture (Onayena), Moo Brick Making (Oniipa) and Eloolo Brick Making (Eengodi). Each received N$62 516.
Kankoshi said the Rural Employment Scheme Programme also allocated N$634 616 to five income-generating projects aimed at empowering previously disadvantaged groups in the region such as women, marginalised communities and the youth.
Most members of the Oshikoto Regional Council, heads of departments, individual members of the public, members of the business fraternity and community leaders were in attendance during the State of the Region Address.
NAMPA