Harare (New Ziana)-Persons with Disabilities dominated public hearings on the 2025 National Budget that the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion conducted in the capital on Monday, as they were organised and clearly spelt out their expectations.
An official from the ZIMCARE Trust said more resources should be allocated to incentivise caregivers who look after people with disabilities, especially teachers, while a representative of the National Association of Societies for the Care of the Handicapped
advocated for funds to buy sunscreen lotions for people with albinism.
Tendai Dimikira from Incast International said the government should extend and increase monthly grants for persons with disabilities from US$100, to include those who are employed, as well as setting up a disability levy, while an official from the Centre for Children with Disabilities said government buildings should be accessible for persons
with disabilities.
Another official only identified as Machimbidza advocated for an inclusive 2025 national budget which caters for every citizen including those with disabilities.
Other officials wanted the government to fund the setting up of affordable rehabilitation centres for victims of drug and substance abuse.
One of the persons with disabilities, Nelson Chiriseri, said the 2025 National Budget should increase the allocation and prioritise the disbursement of the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) funds to schools that also receive fees for children with disabilities.
Tsitsi Chitenhwe said priority should be made to capacitating local authorities to enable them to deliver running water to residents.
Officials from other disability rights organisations said the government should adequately fund anti-corruption institutions, allocate markets for persons with disabilities and increase the health budget to 15 percent in line with the Abuja Declaration, with a huge chunk of it
going towards the reproductive health of young people.
Committee team leader, who is also Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe – Mudzi Senator, Jerry Gotora, expressed satisfaction with the high turnout at the pre-budget consultation.
“I am impressed by the attendance, to begin with. I am also impressed by the attendance of people with disabilities. It shows that they are a section of the community of Zimbabwe which can never be ignored because they have their own grievances which are important.
“However, the general contributions from the people, as far as I am concerned, are contributions that can be sustained provided we generate more resources to meet their desires and needs. Otherwise, as far as I am concerned, the contributions are perfect,” he said in an interview.
The public hearings, which are conducted annually with the aim of strengthening the role of Parliament and citizens in the formulation of the National Budget, are taking place throughout the country until Friday.
New Ziana
