Zimbabwean President announced his intention to create funding that people with disabilities can access to expand businesses, acquire land and housing.
Officially opening the National Disability Expo in Gweru, the President said he was amazed by the talent of people with disabilities, reported The Herald.
He said his Cabinet will develop a program that will enable people with disabilities to access funds to expand their businesses.
The President, who launched the Zimbabwe National Disability Policy this past June, said a special financing program, similar to the Youth Bank and Women Empowerment Bank, is in the development phase.
“I was happy when you invited me. I thought this was an opportunity to engage you because everyone is represented.
“When I came here, I was briefed by your leaders who said they wanted certain things to be addressed. They said there are barriers that have to be removed for people with disabilities to prosper and to be represented.
“My Government is determined to assist people with disabilities. When I toured the stands, I thought it is possible to come up with a financial window where you can access financial support.
“I will discuss this with my Cabinet and see how we can create a special window because what I saw should be supported. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of your products, some of which are crafted by the visually impaired. I believe if we come up with this fund you will excel further,” the President said.
The President had an interactive discussion with people living with disabilities, and responded to many of their concerns, such as access to land.
“My Government will also ensure that you will be covered under the Pfumvudza scheme, all my Provincial Ministers should ensure that you get inputs, you need to mobilise yourselves and register with the ministers.
“You spoke of the removal of barriers; the law now is that no house is built without facilities for people with disabilities.
“As Government we expect you to be united, patriotic, don’t be like those who invited sanctions on this country. Whatever you want the Government to address you have the avenue to take it to me.
“We are no longer taking land but only to multiple land owners and those who have bigger farms, you will be considered for land. As for houses, I will tell my Minister of Housing and Social Amenities (Hon Daniel Garwe) that whenever we are building houses we will give a certain percentage to those with disabilities.”
The National Expo’s theme is “Disability mainstreaming and inclusion for a prosperous and empowered society which leaves no one behind”. It is being attended by participants from all the country’s 10 provinces
It is excepted that the expo will become a global event with some of the exhibitors calling for the removal of the illegal economic sanctions imposed by Western nations.
The President added, “If you want to make this National Expo international, you should join hands with similar groups in other countries and then invite them to your programmes.”
He also explained what will be included in Vision 2030 to make Zimbabwe an upper middle class economy.
“Under the Second Republic, we leave no one behind and no place behind. We plan tomorrow today. The world is changing, it’s now a world of technology. I have brought hundreds of computers for your use because it is important that we learn more about technology,” the President said.
Cabinet ministers and the President Special Advisor on People with Disabilities, Dr Joshua Malinga, attended the event.
Organisations representing people with disabilities are showcasing products, talents, crafts and other services.
The expo’s key focus is to provide information to people living with disabilities about existing technologies, equipment, aids, services and products.
