adminBlessings Chidakwa in Kadoma
People living with disabilities have been urged to fully utilise Government’s $5 million fund, and engage in income-generating projects.
The call was made amid concerns that the national revolving fund set aside by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe last year was being underutilised.
The $5 million is part of empowerment funds under the Central Bank’s five-year National Financial Inclusion Strategy being given as loans to people living with disabilities through various banks.
Addressing people living with disabilities from Kadoma and Sanyati at Rimuka Hall on Monday, Senator Annah Shiri said the fund was being underutilised.
“Let’s utilise the $5 million availed by RBZ to support our projects. Approach the Ministry of Social Welfare with proposed projects (and) they will assist in the crafting of proper documentation,” she said.
Sen Shiri said no collateral was required for people living with disabilities to access the fund.
“The money is being accessed through various financial institutions including Homelink and Agribank and (you can) approach them. They will furnish you with the exact details required,” she said.
Sen Shiri, however, insisted that the money should be repaid.
“The fund is a revolving loan, meaning you will need to pay it back so that others can also access the funding,” she said.
Her counterpart, Sen Nyamayabo Mashavakwe, who was also part of the delegation, said people living with disabilities were entitled to benefit from other Government empowerment funds.
He, however, said those who benefited from the other programmes were ineligible to apply.
Sen Mashavakwe also urged Government to take a leaf from neighbouring countries such as South Africa where capable people living with disabilities were being afforded the chance to work in higher offices.
Online Reporter