Govt to create financial window for disabled – President Mnangagwa

Gweru (The Times-New Ziana) – The government will create a financial window for people living with disabilities in the country which will support their projects, the President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.

Speaking during the 2021 National Disability Expo in Gweru, President Mnangagwa said following similar moves for the youth and women, it was possible to come up with a financial window that serve the disabled.

The President, who toured stands at the Expo done mainly by disabled groups and organisations, said he was impressed by the work exhibited by the disabled, hence the need for financial support to fund their projects.

“It is possible to have a financial window initially, where you can access financial support. The work you are doing needs financial support and government will provide that.”

President Mnangagwa said he was surprised by the pleasant work done by the disabled, some who are visually impaired.

“If we agree to launch the fund it will assist you going forward,” he said.

President Mnangagwa said they will deliberate as Cabinet on how government can create the fund.

The President said the Second Republic is sensitive to the needs and expectations of the disabled.

Government, he said would also look at providing land, inputs and housing to the disabled through provincial affairs and devolution ministers.

“You should organise yourselves and give your names to the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution who will set aside a percentage of land and pfumvudza inputs for the disabled.

“We will also set aside a percentage of houses in national housing programme for the disabled.”

President Mnangagwa said government already had a policy that demands that buildings be accessible to the disabled.

He said the government would also mainstream disability issues in its programmes.

Speaking at the same function, the Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Professor Paul Mavhima said the disabled constituted 15 percent of the country’s population and excluding them in national development would be a unacceptable as the country’s vision 2030 would not be attainable.

“A total of 2,4 million people live with disabilities in the country and so the disabled constitute a large percentage of the population,” he said.

Minister Mavima said including the disabled in government programmes would also make them move in tandem with the country in development and prosperity.

Special adviser to the president on disability issues, Joshua Malinga said there was need to remove barriers that exist in disability issues.

“Disability is a cross cutting development issue that affects everyone.

“There is need to mainstream disability so that no one is not left behind. All ministers in the government should be instructed to remove all barriers so that there is access to developmental issues,” he said.

This year’s expo running under the theme: “Disability mainstreaming and inclusion for a prosperous and empowered society which leaves no one behind.”

The Times – New Ziana