Africa-Press – Tanzania. MWANZA Regional Commissioner (RC), Engineer Robert Gabriel on Saturday dished out 169m/- to 90 community – based saving groups in the region, as a rapid response to Covid-19 impacts.
Supporting community groups is part of ‘Covid-19 Response Partnership Project’, a multi-sector programme funded by the European Union and being implemented by the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF).
According to the RC, the fund is set to benefit 180,000 group members in six councils in Mwanza region, namely Nyamagana, Ilemela, Magu, Sengerema, Buchosa and Ukerewe.
“I call upon the groups to use the money for intended purpose so as to prove that all projects brought in Mwanza can be implemented. Show your commitment and truthfulness,” advised the RC.
Savings groups are self-di- rected informal financial cooperatives designed for unbanked or underbanked populations.
Members of these groups meet regularly to save together and lend to one another, allowing the group’s deposits to earn a return.
He said there is also a need for relevant departments at the regional and district levels to set up a database for all financial-related project beneficiaries, including those of AKF Covid-19 Response Partnership Project and those who benefit from the 10 per cent allocation from councils to ensure effec- tive use of the fund.
Engineer Gabriel stressed that all the funds should be spent as per plans so as to reach as many beneficiaries as possible, hence improving individuals’ standard of living.
He also encouraged Mwanza residents to go for Covid-19 vaccination since the epidemic still exists in the world.
AKF Country Director, Mr Simon Meigaro revealed that the project that kicked-off in 2020 is also being implemented in Kenya,Uganda, Madagascar as well as Mozambique, and will end by June next year. Its objective is to strengthen the existing health respons- es and increase awareness of prevention strategies and support mechanisms while also minimising the socioeconomic impact of the crisis among the young and vulnerable, he said.
At a grassroots level, he added, AKF works with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to strengthen communities’ ability to prevent and respond to Covid-19.
This includes identifying and prioritising community needs, providing rapid response funds to CSOs to meet emerging needs, and dissemi- nating messaging on prevention and protection to vulner- able groups.
“The CSOs are also encouraged to share stories of hope that promote solidarity during these difficult times within their communities,” he said.
The Project beneficiary through Ushindi Group in Ilemela District, Ms Rose Sabinus, admitted that members have been affected by Covid-19 impacts, especially when the government banned the gatherings.
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