Dar es Salaam, May 3 -- DODOMA: INCREASING trend of micro loans with exploitative interest rates attracted a heated debate in Parliament yesterday, with the government calling on individuals to abstain from taking such loans.

The high-interest loans are offered by some institutions and individuals, among them are unregistered and operate without licences from the Bank of Tanzania (BoT).

Initially, Special Seats Member of Parliament, Shally Raymond wanted to know about government measures to control loans and interest rates given without following procedures including those which are provided through mobile phones.

In her basic question, Ms Raymond demanded to know when the government will direct mobile telephone firms which provide fin...