Eastern Province Permanent Secretary Paul Thole, says government remains committed to creating an inclusive society in which persons with disabilities enjoy their human rights and achieve their full potential.
Mr Thole says this commitment is evident through the government’s signing of Statutory Instrument Number 30 of 2024, which has guided infrastructure projects being implemented, particularly under the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF), to guarantee access to essential social services for people living with disabilities.
ZANIS reports that Mr Thole said this in a speech read for him by Deputy Permanent Secretary Lewis Mwape during the launch of the Strengthening the Inclusion and Social Participation of People with Disabilities Project, which is targeting 3,900 persons with disabilities in 14 districts of the province.
“Infrastructure development under the new dawn administration, particularly the CDF, is required to comply with guidelines of Statutory Instrument number 30 of 2024 and ensure unlimited access to social services by people living with disabilities,” he said.
Mr Thole further noted that disability inclusion has further been mainstreamed into national programming and planning frameworks, including the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).
He also acknowledged the role of culture in shaping community attitudes, stating that the government continues to strengthen collaboration with traditional leaders.
Mr Thole observed that while traditional leaders interact closely with communities, some local by-laws in the past have discouraged the inclusion of persons with disabilities in national development.
Speaking at the same event, Christian Blind Mission (CMB) Programme Officer Trymore Mweene, said the initiative is designed to promote constant, concerted and deliberate inclusion efforts by all stakeholders.
Mr Mweene explained that the project will be implemented using a Community-Based Inclusive Development (CBID) approach, ensuring that persons with disabilities are actively involved in decisions that affect their lives.
He added that the project, which has a five-year duration, is funded by Christian Blind Mission (CBM) in partnership with the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities Representative Chisomo Zulu, said the project responds directly to the strategic priorities of the Eighth National Development Plan, particularly in the area of human and social development.
She added that strengthening inclusive and gender-sensitive initiatives enhances coordination between state and non-state actors, while empowering persons with disabilities and their families to actively participate in social and economic life.
Ms Zulu emphasised that targeting persons living with disabilities is essential to achieving inclusive national development, stressing that inclusion is not a favour but a human right.
Speaking on behalf of Chewa Chiefs across the province, Chief Mban’gombe of Katete District welcomed the project, describing it as a timely intervention that will assist persons with disabilities who are unable to access social services due to stigma.
The Chief pledged continued support from traditional leaders to ensure the project achieves its intended outcomes.
