Women get loans
The National, Friday 13th of February 2015
MORE than 240 women groups in Eastern Highlands have been given loans to start business activities.
There are 1600 groups registered with the Eastern Highlands provincial council of women and the Alekano Savings and Loan Society.
Lending Manager for the Eastern Highlands Women’s Credit Scheme Baffic Rasowe said since Governor Julie Soso launched the scheme last year, 241 women’s groups had obtained loans ranging from K400 to K5000.
He said they were venturing ventured into micro-economic activities such as poultry, piggery, vegetable farming, sewing and coffee buying.
Those who got the loans were from Goroka, Daulo, Unggai-Bena, Lufa and Henganofi districts.
Women groups from Okapa, Obura-Wonenara and Kainantu districts are expected to come in this year.
“The groups are paying an interest of 6 per cent while the provincial government under Soso are helping them pay another 6 per cent,” he said.
“So a total of 12 percent interest is charged by Alekano Savings and Loan Society.”
He said once the groups fully repaid their loans and interest, they could get further loans.
“I call on registered women groups who have not come to enquire for loans to do so because the credit scheme has been initiated by Governor Soso to empower women to go into business activities,” Rasowe said.