Farmers assured of bank by the end of the year #Tanzania

PRESIDENT Jakaya Kikwete has said the
government will work hard to ensure the
Agricultural Development Bank becomes
operational before the end of this year.
"The bank will be the saviour to farmers.
Currently, the government releases subventions
for farm inputs but this alone can not address
properly all challenges facing the sector, hence
the need for a special bank where farmers can
themselves go and get loans.
"We in the government are convinced that the
bank's services will commence before this year
ends. We already have in place the chairman of
board of directors and we believe he is now
ready to start the job," said Mr Kikwete.
The president also reaffirmed the government's
commitment to promote horticulture to help
farmers fight poverty.
"It is government's intention to give special and
new impetus to horticulture in our efforts to fight
poverty. This farming activity can earn our
farmers a lot of money," said President Kikwete
during a well attended and colourful ceremony at
the Sabasaba grounds to inaugurate the new
Njombe Region on Friday.
Mr Kikwete also warned districts and municipal
councils against embezzling funds earmarked for
construction of houses for teachers, saying
culprits would face tough disciplinary action.
"The education sector faces a number of
challenges which include shortage of houses for
teachers. To address the issue, the government
has begun earmarking 500m/- for each
municipal council effective this financial year.
He admitted that the money may not be enough,
noting that it is only the beginning and hence the
need for its proper utilisation.
Njombe, made up of four districts of Njombe,
Makete, Ludewa and Wanging'ombe, is one of
four new regions; others being Geita, Simiyu and
Katavi.