Online Reporter
Walter Nyamukondiwa in KADOMA
TOWN clerks and chief executive officers from the 92 local authorities are meeting in Kadoma for a three-day workshop on disability mainstreaming and inclusion.
The workshop is organised by the Department of Disability in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC).
It seeks to accelerate the attainment of Vision 2030 by the Government and stakeholders. Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet (Finance, Administration, and Human Resources), Mr Zvinechimwe Churu, officially opened the workshop, calling on local authorities to proactively implement programmes that support the inclusion of people with disabilities.
He said local authorities should comply with the 15 percent quota in disability planning, budgeting and programming.
“It is therefore critically necessary to spearhead, set the tone and raise awareness on disability mainstreaming and inclusion in the National Development Strategy Phase Two implementation,” he said.
“About 10 percent of our total population are persons with disabilities and this demographic dividend must be practically reflected in our National Development Strategy Phase Two programming across all 10 pillars in the strategy.”
Special advisor to the President and Cabinet on Disability Issues, Ms Rossy Mpofu, hailed the Second Republic for promoting inclusion of people with disabilities.
“The policies pursued so far have put issues of disability at the forefront and we would like to thank the President,” she said.
Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo said Zimbabwe was on course in pursuing inclusive development.
“This workshop is both timely and strategic. As a nation, Zimbabwe is moving decisively towards inclusive development, in line with our national vision and legal frameworks that promote the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities,” said the Minister in a speech read by acting director (coordination) Mr Temproast Musemwa.
“This calls for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, where local authorities play a central and transformative role.”
