Special Seats Member of Parliament for Mbeya Region, Suma Ikenda Fyandomo, on March 14, 2026 attended a full council meeting of the Rungwe District Council, where she encouraged women to actively utilise economic opportunities provided through local government programs.
The council meeting, which brought together councillors and local leaders, discussed a range of development matters in the district, including the implementation of key projects being carried out by the council to improve services and the livelihoods of residents.
Speaking after the session, Fyandomo said her participation in the meeting was important as part of her responsibility to represent women in Mbeya Region and to follow up on development initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the community.
She noted that the discussions also focused on the implementation of the government’s 10 percent loan scheme provided by local government authorities to empower women, youth and people with disabilities economically.
“As the Special Seats MP representing women in Mbeya Region, it is important for me to participate in such meetings so that I can follow discussions on issues affecting our communities and contribute ideas that help strengthen development in the district,” she said.
Fyandomo emphasised that the loans provide a valuable opportunity for women, young people and people with disabilities to start or expand businesses and improve their economic status.
She therefore urged members of these groups to take advantage of the opportunity by applying for the loans and investing in income-generating activities that can raise household incomes and improve living standards.
The legislator also called on local leaders to continue providing education and awareness to communities about the availability of the loans and the procedures required to access them.
The government requires all local government authorities to allocate 10 percent of their internally generated revenue to provide interest-free loans to women, youth and people with disabilities as part of efforts to strengthen economic empowerment and promote inclusive development across the country.
