The Musoma District Council, has granted a loan of 400m/- million - to 21 groups of women, youth, and people with disabilities to support them in running economic projects.

Out of the total beneficiaries, 11 are women’s groups, 6 are youth groups, and 4 are groups for people with disabilities. The loans were handed out by Musoma District Commissioner, Juma Chikoka, during a recent ceremony.

During the event, the District Commissioner highlighted that the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan had offered the loan without interest. 

He emphasized that President Samia's vision is to engage her citizens in various economic activities, and the government is committed to improving this loan system, making it more accessible and beneficial.

"The key to success is that the groups receiving these loans must manage them effectively to ensure they bring long-term benefits. They must use the funds for their intended purposes to strengthen the economic conditions of the groups," stated Chikoka.

Professor Sospeter Muhongo, the Member of Parliament for Musoma Rural, also spoke about the development in his constituency, revealing that 18 of the 21 wards have initiated and developed cage fishing in Lake Victoria. 

He pointed out that the investments in individual cage fishing have led to the creation of 10 cages that have already begun production, with government loans helping to establish 8 more cages that continue to operate in the lake.

He further explained that production would start in the next three months, with additional funding from CRDB and NMB to support the development of 50 more cages.

"There have been notable early successes in cage fishing. Some fishermen reported that one cage, measuring 10 meters in diameter, has yielded 12 tons of fish valued at 100 million shillings. This demonstrates that cage fishing can rapidly boost the economy of Musoma Rural," he said.

Additionally, Professor Muhongo provided insight into Lake Victoria, noting that it is around 400,000 years old, with a typical volume of 2,760 cubic kilometers. He pointed out that last year's rains had increased the water volume in the lake basin, which spans an area of 195,000 square kilometers, leading to an increase in depth of around 1.7 meters.

"Out of the 21 wards in our constituency, 18 have access to Lake Victoria. This means that approximately 85.7 percent of our wards have a great opportunity to utilize the lake's water resources," he explained.

The Member of Parliament also addressed the decline in the number of fish in Lake Victoria and its surrounding rivers. He proposed that the solution to this issue lies in expanding fish farming (aquaculture) within the lake.

"Fish shortages are not only a problem in Lake Victoria; it's a global challenge. Many oceans, lakes, and rivers around the world are facing significant declines in fish populations. Currently, nearly 50% of the world's fish are obtained through fish farming," Muhongo added.

In addition to cage fishing, the MP emphasized that the number one priority for investment in Musoma Rural is irrigation agriculture, shifting away from reliance on seasonal rainfall.