News / National
Government concerned over low uptake of youth fund in remote areas
20 Oct 2020 at 15:29hrs | Views
GOVERNMENT has raised concern over the low uptake of the athletes and artists relief fund in Masvingo's rural districts of Zaka and Mwenezi.
Launched in mid-July, the athletes and artists relief fund is meant to cushion those affected by Covid-19 in the two sectors.
However, there is concern over low uptake with on only eight applications having been received in districts such as Mwenezi and Zaka amid calls for the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation officials to raise awareness on the fund in remote areas.
"People from urban areas such are the ones who managed to benefit. Covid also affected communication. In some areas, there have no internet and therefore the information gap. We, therefore, need our officers to go out and educate the people," he said.
Some athletes and artists who attended an awareness campaign hosted by the ministry in Gutu this Tuesday, expressed ignorance regarding the funds while those who have applied called for speedy disbursement.
Gutu West Legislator, Honourable John Paradza applauded government for the initiative to cushion artists and athletes whose income was affected by the Covid-19 induced lockdown.
"We would like to thank the government for such an initiative. It is no secret that artists and athletes were badly affected by the covid-19 induced lockdown hence the relief fund came in handy," he noted.
Out of the 700 000 Zimbabwe dollars allocated to Masvingo province, only 407 500 has been utilised, with government pushing for more awareness campaigns to ensure the intended beneficiaries get the much-needed assistance.
Launched in mid-July, the athletes and artists relief fund is meant to cushion those affected by Covid-19 in the two sectors.
However, there is concern over low uptake with on only eight applications having been received in districts such as Mwenezi and Zaka amid calls for the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation officials to raise awareness on the fund in remote areas.
"People from urban areas such are the ones who managed to benefit. Covid also affected communication. In some areas, there have no internet and therefore the information gap. We, therefore, need our officers to go out and educate the people," he said.
Some athletes and artists who attended an awareness campaign hosted by the ministry in Gutu this Tuesday, expressed ignorance regarding the funds while those who have applied called for speedy disbursement.
Gutu West Legislator, Honourable John Paradza applauded government for the initiative to cushion artists and athletes whose income was affected by the Covid-19 induced lockdown.
"We would like to thank the government for such an initiative. It is no secret that artists and athletes were badly affected by the covid-19 induced lockdown hence the relief fund came in handy," he noted.
Out of the 700 000 Zimbabwe dollars allocated to Masvingo province, only 407 500 has been utilised, with government pushing for more awareness campaigns to ensure the intended beneficiaries get the much-needed assistance.
Source - ZBC
