Barentu — The Ministry of Labor and Human Welfare branch office in the Gash-Barka region extended interest-free loans amounting to 8 million Nakfa to disabled citizens and demobilized women.

About 300 disabled nationals from the sub-zones of Tessenei, Agordat and Barentu became the beneficiaries of the second phase of the savings and micro-credit scheme program.

The head of the Ministry's branch office in the region, Mr. Ephrem Kiflom, indicated that there are plans to extend 8.5 million Nakfa in loans to 283 disabled citizens in the near future. He further stated that a total of 22.5 million Nakfa has been allocated so far and each beneficiary received a loan of 10,000 to 30,000 Nakfa. The loans will be used for trade and agricultural activities, he added.