By CHILA NAMAIKO –

GOVERNMENT yesterday disbursed about K100,000 to 11 women clubs in Choma District aimed at empowering them through various projects to improve their living standards.

In 2013, Government disbursed over K160,000 grants to 25 women clubs under the women empowerment programme in Choma, the provincial capital of Southern Province.

Presenting the cheques amounting to K96,011 in Choma yesterday, district community development officer Esther Bwali said the money was meant to change the lives of low income and incapacitated households.

“Government, through the department of Community Development, is committed to ensuring that the lives of women change from being incapacitated households to viable households that will be able to contribute not only to the local economy of Choma, but the whole country, ‘she said.

Among the recipients were Bwami Women Club which was given K10,000, Lutangalo K10,000, Chitambana K10,000, Blackburn K10,000, Shikato K5,000 and Simambo K10,000.

Ms Bwali said Government would continue to explore other viable mechanisms aimed at improving the welfare of women, particularly those looking after orphans and vulnerable children.

Earlier, Choma District Commissioner Bernadette Hamweemba urged the recipients to use the funds for viable projects such as goat and chicken rearing as opposed to using the resources for personal gain.

Several women from the clubs that received the grants praised Government for the empowerment and assured of prudent use of the money for the intended projects.