By Christabel Chulu
Twelve youths in Nakonde have become the first beneficiaries of the government’s motorbike loan initiative, part of a nationwide program rolled out by the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts Development.
Minister Elvis Nkandu handed over the motorbikes to the youths on Friday afternoon.
Nakonde is the first district in Muchinga Province to receive the motorbikes, followed by Mafinga on Saturday and Isoka on Sunday.
Minister Nkandu, who will visit all eight Districts in Muchinga to distribute the motorbikes, says the initiative is aimed at empowering young people to engage in economic activities and improve mobility.
Motorbikes, though not yet legally certified as a formal mode of public transport in Zambia, are quickly becoming the cheapest and most accessible means of transportation in areas like Nakonde.
For instance, a journey of one kilometer, which would normally attract a local tax of between K50 to K60, can be covered by a motorbike rider for about K10, making them approximately five times cheaper than conventional transport.
Local authorities also generate revenue from motorbike operations despite the lack of formal recognition.
The motorbikes, whose total value was not available at the time of reporting, will be repaid over two and a half years.
Beneficiaries have a two-month grace period before repayment begins and will K1,000 monthly.
Minister Nkandu has urged the youth to honor their repayment schedules, noting that successful repayment will allow more youths across the country to benefit.
Apart from motorbikes, the ministry also distributed 20 jerseys and footballs to various sports teams across Nakonde’s 15 wards.
In addition, over 200 vulnerable youths engaged in small-scale businesses, such as barbershops and selling tomatoes and other vegetables, applied and qualified for K1,000 cash grants each.
Minister Nkandu emphasized that this empowerment targets less privileged young people who may not qualify for loans in other sectors, helping boost their small businesses.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by the high number of youths in the district, Minister Nkandu has encouraged those not yet included to remain hopeful.
He has further highlighted other government programs, including Small and Medium Enterprise initiatives under CEEC, CDF projects under the Ministry of Local Government, SAAF support under the Ministry of Agriculture, and social cash transfers for vulnerable households and the elderly.
These beneficiaries form part of the 1,700 youths across Muchinga Province set to benefit from similar programs.
(C) Chete Fm