MP Disburses K20 Million to Empower VSL Groups in Chiradzulu-Thumbwe

Member of Parliament for Chiradzulu-Thumbwe Constituency, Joseph Nomale, has disbursed K20 million in loans through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to 45 Village Savings and Loans (VSL) groups in the area.

Speaking recently during a cheque handover ceremony held at Thumbwe Secondary School in Traditional Authority (TA) Kadewere, Nomale expressed optimism that the funds will improve the lives of the beneficiaries.

“There are a lot of challenges that these people face due to the effects of climate change, which hinder their ability to produce enough food for their families,” he said. “I believe this money will help them boost their small businesses and enable them to buy food for their households.”

Chiradzulu District Council Community Development Officer, Lovemore Kachala, echoed Nomale’s sentiments, urging VSL groups to invest wisely to ensure sustainability of the fund.

“This is a revolving fund, and we are working hand in hand with our extension workers to make sure every beneficiary passes on the opportunity to others in the community,” Kachala said.

One of the beneficiaries, Eggery Chisulu from Likoko Village in T/A Kadewere and a member of the Talandira Group which received K300,000 said the funds will help them rebuild their businesses.

“We plan to invest in selling food crops and will reinvest our profits to repay the loan with interest, allowing us to grow our earnings,” she said.

The initiative is part of the government’s Youth and Women Economic Empowerment Fund, aimed at uplifting livelihoods and enhancing economic resilience in local communities.