Set Up Week: (15th - 21st June 2009)

“Set-up Week” was a flurry of activity all around. Contracts of employment were signed for the new staff and they began working on revising and then printing all of the necessary forms to start operations. Booklets were assembled for credit officers to have quick access to loan terms and features and for collecting contact information for visitors from outside the operating area. Client IDs were designed and tested so that they could be created and issued when clients register at the branch office. Client welcome packets were assembled and desks and furniture was moved to the Mbagala Office.

THE CREDIT OFFICER'S GUIDE TO LOAN COSTS give the Credit Officer and Client every possible combination of loan amount and loan period so that clients can make informed decisions when negotiating their loan terms.

The CLIENT WELCOME PACKET gives the client the necessary forms to apply for a loan, explains loan terms, complaint procedures and the client's rights under Habitat for Humanity Tanzania's CLIENT PRINCIPLES.

We realized that even as late as a few days before opening our doors, we still had different interpretations concerning how to implement the grace period for MAKAZI BORA and the terms of our loan insurance. After some quick consultation with our colleagues at Habitat Uganda, we clarified our position on the grace period to a one-month grace period on principle (1st principle payment due 60 days after disbursement) and no grace period on interest (1st interest payment 30 days after disbursement). The primary factor involved was the use of the loan for home improvement purposes. The household’s income will be stressed while engaging in a home improvement in the 1st 30 days of the loan. (The verification of the loan use within 30 days determines the ultimate interest rate applied). Yet, going without any payment for 30 days was deemed to be a risky way to begin a credit relationship. Our insurance brokers clarified our insurance question and we were technically ready.

On Saturday the 20th, Boaz and I were at the Mbagala Office with Irene and Innocent as the computers were set up. We made some shocking discoveries. The water was not running, a carpenter who had been engaged to make some benches did not come through with the work and the office was generally dirty. We quickly worked on getting a painter to paint the window frames in “MAKAZI BORA blue,” put pressure on the carpenter, tried to sort out the water problem and spent a lot of time scrubbing the walls so that they would be somewhat presentable on Monday for opening day. Ready or not, doors would open on Monday morning.