PLWD laud govt

SYDNEY SAIZE 

RECENTLY IN MUTASA

Tariro Foundation Trust of Zimbabwe (TFTZ), an organisation for people living with disabilities (PLWD) in Manicaland Province, has commended the efforts of the government in alleviating their challenges.

Speaking during a recent outreach program in Mutasa, TFTZ chairperson, Tsitsi Munyebvu, thanked the government for availing affordable education, healthcare facilities and agricultural inputs for people with disabilities across the district.

“As people with disabilities I need to point out that we are very thankful to the government for hearing our plight. Some of our own can now get an education and free preferential treatment at clinics and hospitals which was unheard of in the past,” Munyebvu said.

She said the government had in addition given people with disabilities a chance to participate in national building through parliamentary representation.

“Recently we had an outreach where a representative of our own was going around the districts to consult on what we want and need done to further advance the cause of people with disabilities.

“It is with this background that we commend the government, but on representation it would be ideal if the number is increased,” Munyebvu said.

She said women with disabilities had started income generating projects through loans accessed from the Women’s Bank that had seen most of them being self-reliant.

Lovemore Ndiraya, a vendor with walking difficulties based at Watsomba Business Centre, in Mutasa district, said small enterprises for people with disabilities needed financial aid to grow bigger for self-sustenance.

“There is a chance for people with disabilities to grow and be independent from food hand-outs. If fully supported we can be a force to reckon with and stand on our own,” said Ndiraya who runs an accessories vending corner.

However, Andrew Madziro, bemoaned the selective distribution of some government inputs on people with disabilities.

“It is with concern that I raise this issue that some of us are left out on such benefits. Not everyone benefits from the inputs from our government. We need the distribution of such to be non-partisan and partial and be given to all deserving individuals and families,” Madziro said.

Recently, a child from the area was reportedly denied a wheelchair since the family was alleged to be politically incorrect.