The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has been urged to allocate adequate funds to address the needs of People With Disabilities (PWDs).
This call was made during the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee’s public consultations on the upcoming budget, held on Wednesday in Bulawayo.
Representing individuals with albinism, a participant emphasized the importance of specialized skin care products due to their heightened risk of skin cancer.
“As people with albinism, we require specialized skin care products because we are prone to cancer cells. Sunscreen alone costs around $20 a bottle, and when we factor in other necessary products, we need at least $100 per month for adequate protection,” she stated.
“Given the current economic hardships, how can we afford this? Many of us are unemployed, and our guardians cannot bear the cost either. Additionally, there are others in rural areas facing even greater difficulties. We sincerely hope the government considers our plight when formulating the 2025 budget.”
Another participant, Tsepang Nare, suggested that the government explore different avenues for generating tax revenue to support PWDs.
“Perhaps the government could consider taxing the public transport sector. Currently, we pay more for each trip. A wheelchair-bound person typically requires an assistant, which means they often end up paying three times the fare of an average passenger. This additional charge is for the space taken up by the wheelchair,” Nare explained.
Additionally, a participant raised concerns that not all PWDs benefit from the financial support provided by the ministry.
“While there are funds available, not everyone receives them. The intended monthly support is $20, but disbursements from the government are often delayed,” she noted.
“Sometimes, this money only arrives once or twice a year, and it’s simply insufficient. The ministry needs to understand that our needs are double those of other people. Our diets differ, and we incur additional healthcare costs. Some of us require special toiletries, as we may have mobility issues. We hope to be allocated more funds to meet our essential daily needs.”
