Wrath of the law … Minister Patrick Zhuwao
Zhuwao made the threats recently while addressing youths drawn from all districts of Mashonaland East at Mbuya Nehanda Hall in Marondera.
An estimated $10 million of the fund was administered by several banks and was availed in 2012 to assist youths in various income generating projects.
However, the fund was suspended in 2014 after it emerged that the default rate was 92%.
Zhuwao said his ministry was going to track down all the youths who benefited from the loans and “those who abused the facility will face the wrath of the law”.
“We are aware of the fact that some diverted the money to others things and did not carry out the projects they had promised in their proposals. We will make a follow up on such people and they will have some explanation to do,†said Zhuwao.
“Beneficiaries of the development fund must honour their obligations and pay back the loans so that other youths can benefit from the same programme. Paying back the loans makes it easier to sustain the fund.â€
Zhuwao’s threats come as bank records for Mashonaland East show that out of the $680 500 availed to fund 456 projects only $1 523 has been repaid.
Districts such as Goromonzi, Wedza and Mudzi have not yet to repaid even a cent.
Post published in: Business