Story by Mercy Bofu
People with disabilities have applauded the Second Republic for its inclusive empowerment drive, saying they have what it takes to contribute to the country’s economic development.
The launch of the Disability Policy has been welcomed as an affirmation of the Second Republic’s commitment to addressing the concerns of people with disabilities.
The government is now putting the policy into action after people with disabilities in Masvingo received wheelchairs this Thursday.
A beneficiary said, ‘‘President Emmerson Mnangagwa promised us assistive devices and today we are receiving them, though we appeal for more given that a lot of children are not going to school because they do not have walking aides and other needs.’’
Another noted, ‘‘We are pinning our hopes that given a number of developments taking place in our country, a number of us will be empowered such that we are able to look after our families.’’
More however still needs to be done with access to public places and inclusion in decision-making processes a priority.
Director in the office of the Special Advisor on National Disability Issues, Mr Macnolly Chirinzepi said, ‘‘We are moving around hearing concerns of people with disabilities such that we work on addressing them and from this meeting, a number were raised including the need for friendly infrastructure for people with disabilities. However, we are appealing to responsible authorities to ensure these are addressed.’’
The government is working on ensuring people with disabilities are included in all developmental programmes as espoused in the country’s disability policy.
