NEW: Joy as 15 people with disabilities get residential stands in Kadoma

Mashonaland West Bureau Chief

GOVERNMENT commends the complementary role the private sector is playing in providing housing and improving the lives of previously marginalised groups, Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo has said.

She said this at the handover ceremony of ready-to-build residential stands in Kadoma to 15 people living with disabilities (PWDs) by philanthropist Professor Kudakwashe Taruberekera.

Beneficiaries, who also house plans, included 10 people with disabilities and five people living with albinism.

“This ties in with Government’s drive to ensure no one or place is left behind towards upper middle-income status by 2030,” said Minister Chombo, who was guest of honour at the ceremony.

“We are happy because of the strong complementary role that the private sector is playing to support Government’s drive to improve the lives of its people.”

The handover of the residential stands was described as life transforming.

Mrs Loretta Mufandaedza, a beneficiary, hailed Craft Properties chief executive officer Prof Taruberekera for the gesture.

“Having your own place to live is the first step towards being empowered and I am grateful for this gesture. It’s not easy being a tenant and sometimes it gets worse because of the conditions we have as people with disabilities,” she said.

Mrs Talent Chidindi said people with albinism faced stigma and discrimination when searching for accommodation.

She hailed Government for creating an environment where the private sector plays a role in transforming people’s lives.

“Today is the happiest day of my life because a huge burden has been lifted from my shoulders,” she said.

Prof Taruberekera said the gesture was inspired by President Mnangagwa’s social transformation drive and the desire to contribute towards the realisation of Vision 2030.

“We feel compelled to help in the attainment of President Mnangagwa and his Government’s development goals of uplifting the lives of people,” he said.

“With this gesture, we have helped to restore the dignity of people with disabilities and give them a foundation from which they can build their lives for the better.”