Story by Tamuka Charakupa
THE People with Disabilities for Economic Development have called for the unconditional removal of illegal economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West, which are slowing the country’s economic development.
As the Southern African Development Community (SADC) prepares to observe the Zimbabwe Anti-Sanctions Day this Friday, there is a renewed emphasis on the detrimental effects of sanctions on the country’s socio-economic landscape.
People with disabilities represented by the People with Disabilities for ED provincial chairpersons met in Chinhoyi this Tuesday to amplify calls for the unconditional removal of the illegal economic sanctions.
“Sanctions have affected us for long as it is difficult and expensive to acquire wheelchairs,” Tonderai Chibanda said.
“We are now reduced to beggars as the government cannot access lines of credit from international financial institutions like the World Bank,” said Charles Mugwamba.
“Our President is working round the clock to ensure that the country is developed but his efforts are affected by the illegally imposed sanctions. They should be removed unconditionally,” Emily Muchaembera added.
Patron of the organisation, Mr Jimayi Muduvuri who is also the co-founder of the Coalition Against Sanctions Zimbabwean Chapter, denounced the illegal sanctions for undermining economic development being spearheaded by the Second Republic.
“As the People With Disabilities for ED, we have converged to amplify our voices joining the rest of the country in denouncing the illegal sanctions imposed on the country.
“We are witnessing thriving economic development under the able leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa but all his efforts are not realised due to these illegal sanctions. This means the government cannot afford to cater for every citizen as the disabled constituency we are usually at the receiving end of every crisis.”
This year’s SADC Anti-Sanctions Day will run under the theme “Embracing Innovation towards Vision 2030: The Relentless Fight against Illegal Sanctions.”
