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Fungai Lupande
Mashonaland Central Bureau
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has fulfilled his pledge to beneficiaries of the Presidential Disability Roadrunner Programme, who have started receiving batches of 1 000 chicks in the province.
The President pledged 10 000 roadrunner chicks to Mashonaland Central during this year’s National Disability Expo, which was held at Chipadze Stadium in Bindura on July 12.
The inaugural farming initiative will be rolled out throughout the country with beneficiaries in Mashonaland Central having received 5 000 roadrunners so far. This is part of President Mnangagwa’s efforts to empower people with disabilities by giving them a fishing line.
After receiving a batch of 1 000 roadrunners, Mr Passwell Chikara from Manuwere village under Chief Kandeya in Mt Darwin, could not hide his joy.
He said he was impressed that President Mnangagwa fulfilled his word.
“I attended the disability expo and witnessed people receiving different gifts. This motivated me to complete my fowl run despite the community discouraging me by saying I would not benefit,” he said.
“I thank the President for this gift. I will take care of this project and expand it into a big business. I urge people with disabilities to participate in programmes designed to benefit us.”
Mr Erigna Chibondo from Mt Darwin, who benefited from a farm in Centenary, said he had started land preparation for his first farming season, the 2024-2025 agriculture season.
“I am over the moon and am thankful to the President for giving me a farm. I am implementing smart farming so that I can contribute to the food security of this country,” he said.
The director of the office of the special advisor on disability issues, Mr Macnon Chirinzepi, thanked President Mnangagwa for not leaving anyone and any place behind in the development of the country.
“This pledge is a great honour to people with disabilities. We are witnessing people with disabilities being recognised in all sectors of the economy,” he said.
“We are happier with the President’s stance of abolishing the charity model which saw people with disabilities begging. He is giving them the fishing line through projects so that they can transform their lives.”
Four people with disabilities were given farms, 10 received residential stands and others received peanut butter-making machines. Mr Chirinzepi said that by doing this, the President had set a tone that local authorities must pursue and award a 15 percent quota on stand allocation to people with disabilities.
He urged people with disabilities to participate in all forums and make sure their issues are heard.
“This is not the time to hide.”
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Christopher Magomo said that the donation was a commitment President Mnangagwa made to uplift the livelihoods of all citizens.
He said President Mnangagwa is a listening President who prioritised the needs of vulnerable people.
Minister Magomo was represented by the director of finance, administration and human resources, Mrs Merencia Foromani.
“This is not merely an opportunity, it is a responsibility that requires your utmost dedication and care. Work closely with the Veterinary Services Department whose expertise is invaluable in ensuring the sustainability of the poultry project,” he said.
Mt Darwin South MP Kudakwashe Mupamhanga thanked President Mnangagwa for his Vision 2030, which he said had led people to Manuwere village.
“Everyone is important despite physical appearance. The President has challenged us by starting projects for people with disabilities. They were asked to construct fowl runs before the Government meets them halfway with the roadrunners because this is a business.
“People with disabilities have the potential to do and grow projects into big businesses,” he said.
The Presidential Disability Roadrunners Programme is supported by Africa Birds.
Executive director for the company Mr Takesure Chingono said they were happy to collaborate with the Office of the President in support of Vision 2030.
The team proceeded to Rushinga for the distribution of more roadrunners.
Online Reporter