JPM to improve disabled people’s welfare

PIUS RUGONZIBWA in Mwanza

President Dr John Magufuli.

PRESIDENT John Magufuli has said his government will institute state and policy measures that will deliberately promote the welfare of people living with all forms of disability in the country.

Dr Magufuli said here that Tanzania was marking the International Day for the Disabled by reaffirming its commitment in supporting them, including making sure they enjoy all social services and civic rights like any other member of the population.

In a speech read on behalf by the Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Mr Magesa Mulongo, the Head of State said members with disabilities will receive equal treatment and rights wherever their issues are presented to the cabinet.

“The fifth phase government has received and accommodated calls pertaining to the welfare of people with disabilities and I wish to assure them maximum support including ensuring they get reliable and quality health care among others,” said the President.

Among the issues raised in their message, the Federation of the Organizations for People with Disability (SHIVYAWATA) asked the new government to address the issue of torture and killing of their members as well as improved and friendly infrastructure in schools and other social gatherings.

Dr Magufuli in response said a special committee has been formed in the Ministry of Home Affairs to review action plan on issues regularly raised that include killing of people with albinism.

He also responded on the request for affairs of people living with disabilities to be shifted from the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to other Ministries particularly the Prime Minister’s Office saying he will make sure their issues are well attended to wherever they are placed.

The President also challenged all the electronic media houses to make sure they employ interpreters in sign languages so that members with deafness can get access to aired information.

Earlier, the SHIVYAWATA Chairman, Mr Amon Mpanju, thanked Dr Magufuli for allowing the national celebration of the day recalling his stance on the celebration of such holidays. “A number of such holidays have been cancelled but ours has been retained of which we thank the President for showing true patronage to us.

We now believe he is indeed implementing what he promised in the election manifesto,” said Mr Mpanju.