By RABECCA CHIPANTA –
GOVERNMENT has procured 80 mini-hammer mills to empower women and youths on the Copperbelt.
Copperbelt Permanent Secretary Howard Sikwela said, when he addressed journalists in Ndola yesterday, that Government was aware of the challenges women and young people faced, hence the decision to support them with the hammer mills.
Reverend Sikwela said the procurement of the hammer mills was an indication of Government’s dedication to empower youths and women.
He said the ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development would spearhead the programme and encouraged youths to form cooperatives for them to benefit from the hammer mills.
Rev Sikwela called on the youths to participate in this year’s Youth Day, which falls tomorrow.
Meanwhile, 56 youths from seven wards in Ndola Central Constituency have received poultry products valued at K32, 000 to help ease the high unemployment levels.
Ndola business executive Emmanuel Mulenga said he felt compelled to empower the youths considering the high unemployment levels.
“God gives the ability to create wealth and there are many ways of creating wealth. Employment is one way, but with the global economic crisis we are facing, many companies are closing down and jobs are being lost.
“As youths, we would want to do more, but we are financially constrained, and that is what prompted me to come to the aid,” he said.
Mr Mulenga said he consulted many youths on what businesses they wanted to venture in, and that they chose chicken rearing.
“I am giving each ward 150 chicks with feed till the point of sale. If you have any challenge, please feel free to consult. I started this business when I was 14 years old, with only 50 chicks, and now I rear more than 10,000 chickens. I want this business to grow,” he said.
Mr Mulenga said the business venture would be a revolving fund and would be spread out in Yengwe, Kansenshi, Nkwazi, Twapia, Kanini, Chipulukusu and Dag Hammarskjoeld.
“The beneficiaries are Patriotic Front ward officials. They will share 25 per cent of the profit and invest the 75 per cent back into the business which I hope they will be able to diversify,” he said.