RESIDENTS of the larger Lugari district have been asked to restore confidence and revive moribund cooperative societies.

Speaking to West FM in his office, the Lugari Deputy District Cooperatives Officer, Mr. Timothy Wanjala, said that unlike in the past when most cooperative societies were left in hands of cartels, nowadays the government through the Ministry of Cooperatives has put in place stringent rules of management and operation meant to cushion members against any forms of exploitation.

Mr. Wanjala regretted that out the 35 officially registered cooperative societies in Lugari, Likuyani and Matete districts, only 22 were still alive and operating, noting that there was an urgent need to revive the moribund ones and register more others in order to carter for the growing population in the area.

The cooperatives officer observed that it was only through cooperative societies area residents, who are mostly farmers, can be able fight business cartels, which he blamed for having benefited and profited from farmers’ sweat for a long time.

He noted that apart from assisting farmers access farm inputs and at affordable rates, the societies were in a better place to help them market farm produce at profitable rates.

Mr. Wanjala revealed that plans are at an advanced stage that will see his department and that of Gender and Social Development form a giant women’s SACCO by bringing together all women groups in the district.

The officer urged the department of youth to also join hands with his department so that they can come up with a giant SACCO for the registered youth groups in the district.