Makokoba families get lifeline

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ABOUT 30 impoverished families in Makokoba constituency have received a lifeline after Makokoba Development Trust (MDT) donated inputs to kick-start a fully funded poultry project.

ABOUT 30 impoverished families in Makokoba constituency have received a lifeline after Makokoba Development Trust (MDT) donated inputs to kick-start a fully funded poultry project. Staff Reporter

The trust on Tuesday handed over 1 000 chicks and 80 bags of poultry feed. Makokoba Development Trust is spearheaded by legislator Gorden Moyo.

About $4 000 was used on the project which is being funded by the United States. The beneficiaries are identified by the community and the 30 households are expected to pay back $100 to a revolving fund after selling the chickens.

MDT board member and secretary, Sidumo Bhebhe, said the project would assist in alleviating poverty in the constituency.

“Poverty is high in Makokoba and most youths are into drug and alcohol abuse,” he said.

“So we are targeting youths by engaging them in income generating projects. We hope the poultry project will keep them off the streets.”

Bhebhe promised that the poultry project was the first of many such schemes for the constituency.

“The community identified poultry to kick-start our plans,” he explained.

“They felt that it was a relatively easy project with a ready market, so we expect to cover the entire Makokoba constituency.”

Mzilikazi councillor, Sheila Musonda expressed gratitude at the handover ceremony.

“This is a noble initiative, we hope the beneficiaries will take the project seriously and not allow it to crumble,” she said.

“Its success will help reduce poverty levels in the ward and constituency.”