Story by Bruce Chahwanda Political Editor
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says the voices of people with disabilities will always be heard, with the government determined to empower them to venture into income-generating projects across the country.
Under the mantra: ‘leaving no one and no place behind,’ President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his government interfaced with people with disabilities at State House in Harare this Wednesday, where US$40 000 was availed for disability associations to boost their enterprises as a way of promoting self-reliance.
President Mnangagwa said people with disabilities’ voices will always be heard under the Second Republic.
“It is pleasing to note that our efforts are aligned with the domestication of international conventions and Protocols. This unity of purpose and culture of working together must be sustained to promote the dignity of all persons with disabilities. Guided by our mantra of leaving no one and no place behind, be assured that your voices will always be heard in the formulation of national development policies and programmes,” President Mnangagwa said.
The head of state said people with disabilities must count on the government to fund income-generating projects being pursued.
“Self-reliance, self-sufficiency, and mastery of our destiny as individuals and as a country are key at this stage of our development. My government is determined to facilitate and support you in your enterprises and income-generating activities as well as other productive endeavours in areas such as agriculture, mining, and business, among others. Count on us. I urge the nation to adapt to the changing socio-economic environment and embrace innovative, inclusive and empowering models of development,” President Mnangagwa said.
The President further said the government is committed towards the inclusion of people with disabilities, hence the enactment of the Persons with Disabilities Bill must be expedited.
“On its part, my government is scaling up deliberate interventions towards the realisation of the aspirations of persons with disabilities. Our national Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy recognise disability inclusion as a fundamental and cross-cutting theme that should be considered by all socio-economic sectors.
“It is upon this background that Government ministries have established departments for gender mainstreaming, inclusivity and Wellness. These are strategic focal entry points designed to enhance the inclusion of disability in the public sector,” the President said.
The government continues to empower people with disabilities and the availing of cash will play a critical role towards enhancing viability of projects.
