Chikwawa soap co-ops face resource shortage
At the ceremony's end, Bagus bought K116,000 ) worth of the cooperatives' soap for local leaders.
CHIKWAWA, Malawi - A lack of resources and funds is hampering soap production for newly graduated cooperatives in Chikwawa, members said Sunday, writes Comfort Bulangete.
"We don't have enough raw materials or money to buy them," said Kitty Katuwelo, coordinator of the ZathuZathu-Tiphedzane soap cooperatives in Ntondeza.
"It's affecting how much soap we can make."
She spoke at a graduation ceremony, where the members received certificates after a one-week training program by Ponamed Skin Care Manufactured Company Limited (POSCMA).
Despite the challenges, Katuwelo said they were excited to gain skills to empower themselves economically.
Member of Parliament Salim Bagus pledged a K1 million loan from his constituency development fund to help the cooperatives.
He urged them to share their knowledge and said he was impressed by the initiative to support families financially.
"Government tries to address poverty, but today I'm amazed to see people starting their own initiatives," Bagus said.
"We should support this."
POSCMA Managing Director Aubrey Magombo said high living costs prompted the training program for the 18 cooperative members. He promised close monitoring to help them manage finances and operations.
At the ceremony's end, Bagus bought K116,000 ) worth of the cooperatives' soap for local leaders.