Mara — THE Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) National Executive Committee member (NEC) for Tarime District, Mr Christopher Mwita Gachuma, has established a special fund that would issue soft loans to youths in the district.

But the Tarime NEC member has underscored the need of interested beneficiaries to receive entrepreneurship training skills prior to receiving loans.

"Training is very important and it should be the first thing. People should also know the importance of repaying loans", Mr Gachuma , also a prominent businessman, told the 'Daily News' shortly after officiating 36 years CCM anniversary celebrations in Tarime on Sunday.

Mr Gachuma said he has already held fruitful talks with the National Bank of Commerce (NBC) in connection with disbursement of the loans to youths residing in Tarime District. "I have already talked to NBC Tarime branch manager and doors are open for youths to get loans from the bank.

I am ready to be collateral for Tarime youths to get loans from the bank", Mr Gachuma noted when addressing CCM supporters, followers and lovers at Tarime town CCM ground. The loans, he said, will enable youths to engage in small scale income generating activities in a bid to improve their living standards.

He also promised similar support to Tarime women and urged them to establish economic generating groups ready to benefit from the deal.