By Alfred Zacharia
Member of Parliament for Dodoma Urban and Minister for Minerals, Mr. Anthony Mavunde, has launched a new Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO) for motorcycle and bajaj operators in the region, with a call for young people to take advantage of the initiative to improve their livelihoods.
Speaking during the launch ceremony held in Dodoma, Mr. Mavunde commended the operators for forming their own SACCO, describing it as a timely step toward youth economic empowerment.
“It is encouraging to see young people taking the initiative to form their own financial institution,” he said. “The goal is to ensure that more youth own their own means of transport, rather than relying on hired or borrowed vehicles.”
He urged the SACCO leaders to make good use of the 10 percent allocation from the city council’s internal revenues, which is designated for empowering women, youth, and people with disabilities. According to Mr Mavunde, a total of Sh7 billion has been allocated for such groups in Dodoma so far.
Dodoma District Commissioner, Mr Jabir Shekimweri, echoed the MP’s sentiments, noting that the SACCO would help address key economic challenges faced by youth in the transport sector. He assured the operators of continued government support in creating a conducive environment for their activities.
Dodoma Regional Police Commander, SACP George Katabazi, advised the operators to adhere to traffic safety regulations, stating that the police would continue working with them to promote safety and order on the roads.
Chairperson of the Union of Motorcycle and Bajaj Operators in Dodoma (UMAPIDO), Mr Marwa Chacha Nyagate, thanked President Samia Suluhu Hassan for facilitating the construction of the union’s new office building in Dodoma.
He also extended his gratitude to Mr Mavunde for a Sh15 million contribution towards the establishment of the SACCO, adding that the initiative would pave the way for economic transformation within the sector.
Mr Nyagate concluded by encouraging youth in the sector to actively participate in the 2025 general election as part of their constitutional responsibilities.