Agriculture Reporter

Government is ready to assist people living with disabilities with funds to start projects and positively contribute towards the growth of the country’s economy.

This was said by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, while officially opening the National Disability Expo in Gweru yesterday.

“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 living with disabilities to prosper and to be represented.

“My Government is determined to assist people living 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,” said the President.

President Mnangagwa said he was impressed by crafts made by people living with disabilities and said that with enough funding, more could be realized from them. He added that people living with disabilities should also benefit from Government programmes such as the Pfumvudza scheme and urged them to mobilise themselves and register with Provincial Ministers of their respective areas so that they could be considered on some Government programmes.

The President urged people living with disabilities to be united and patriotic and not be like other citizens who invited sanctions for the country.

“As Government we expect you to be united and patriotic. Don’t be like those who invited sanctions on this country. Whenever you want the Government to address you, you have the avenues to take it to me,” added the President.

The President further urged people living with disabilities to join hands with similar groups in other countries and invite them to their programmes in order to make the Expo international.

This year’s National Expo was held under the theme “Disability mainstreaming and inclusion for a prosperous and empowered society which leaves no one behind” and a number of organisations representing the disabled graced the occasion to exhibit products, talents and crafts of people living with disabilities.