Over a staggering default rate of 98 percent, the government has ordered that empowerment resources, such as buses provided to young people on loan, be confiscated and reallocated to youth resource centers. Ministry Permanent Secretary Chileshe Kangwa emphasized that the government has shown considerable patience with individuals who benefited from various empowerment initiatives over the past three years, but the majority have failed to comply with repayment terms.
Mr. Kangwa revealed that many beneficiaries actively evade ministry officials when approached about the outstanding loans. As a result, the ministry has already repossessed two high-value mining excavators, two commercial hammermills, and a grader from some of the defaulters.
The government’s decision to take back these assets highlights its commitment to ensuring that public resources are used effectively and that those who benefit from empowerment programs fulfill their obligations.
Credit: Zambia Daily Nation