Mixed Member Proportional Representation Member of Parliament (MMPR) for Persons with Disabilities, Lazarus Hakalebula, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding social and economic opportunities for Persons Living with Disabilities. Mr Hakalebula says the government is…

Mixed Member Proportional Representation Member of Parliament (MMPR) for Persons with Disabilities, Lazarus Hakalebula, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to expanding social and economic opportunities for Persons Living with Disabilities.

Mr Hakalebula says the government is advancing inclusive governance and development planning to improve the wellbeing of Persons with Disabilities.

He was speaking during an engagement meeting with Persons with Disabilities and social welfare stakeholders in Chilanga District.

“As Persons with Disabilities, let us show ourselves through our talents and skills and find alternative ways of earning a living, without waiting for charity and handouts,” advised Mr Hakalebula.

Meanwhile, Mixed Member Proportional Representation Member of Parliament for Persons with Disabilities, Misheck Mweemba, stated that the government will continue to uplift the lives of Persons with Disabilities through enhanced social protection programmes.

Mr Mweemba noted that President Hakainde Hichilema assented Bill 7 into law to create an opportunity for inclusion and empowerment of Persons with Disabilities through representation in Parliament.

“Persons with Disabilities will now have a voice at the table. We must change the narrative and recognise Persons with Disabilities as entrepreneurs and leaders, because their talents and skills are key to the Grow Zambia Agenda,” he noted.

Chilanga District Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) Chairperson, Shadreck Kankwala, thanked Government for electing five Members of Parliament to represent Persons with Disabilities under the Mixed Member Proportional Representation system, describing it as a milestone achievement in social protection.

Mr Kankwala, however, cited challenges still facing Persons with Disabilities, including limited employment opportunities, difficulties in accessing health services, and inaccessible public buildings without ramps and lifts.

He called on the Government to advance social protection programmes by including more persons with disabilities under the social cash transfer and Constituency Development Fund Programmes.

“We should not be viewed as recipients of aid, but utilise our talents and skills to help ourselves without waiting for aid,” said Mr Kankwala.

Zambian Disability Network Director of Programmes, Felix Mutale, urged the MMPR Members of Parliament to undertake countrywide engagements with Persons with disabilities.

He noted that there are many persons with disabilities across the country with various needs, therefore the five MMPR Members of Parliament representing them must find time to interact with them in order to hear their needs.

And Chilanga South Member of Parliament, Ngenda Situmbeko, encouraged Persons with disabilities to harness their talents to drive the Grow Zambia Agenda.

“Each and every individual has a role to play in the grow Zambia Agenda Including Persons with disabilities who have alot of potential, skill and talent which when utilised well can go a long way in growing the economy,” noted Mr Situmbeko.