Government disburses 8.5bn/- to empower PWDs

MOROGORO: THE government, through the Prime Minister’s Office, Regional Administration and Local Government (RALG) has disbursed 8.5bn/- to 1,599 groups of persons with disabilities as part of economic empowerment initiatives for the 2024/2025 financial year.

Speaking during the national celebrations of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities held at the Islamic University of Morogoro recently, RALG representative Ms Zainabu Kitembe highlighted the ministry’s role in coordinating services for persons with disabilities across regions and local councils.

During the event, Morogoro Regional Commissioner Mr Adam Malima represented the Prime Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba.

Ms Kitembe said that in addition to economic support, funds have been allocated in all 184 local councils through local revenue for the purchase of special skin creams for persons with albinism. Over the past three years, a total of 3bn/- has been earmarked for the purpose.

“These funds have been used to procure special skin creams for persons with albinism as well as assistive devices,” she noted.

She noted further that RALG has also prepared and supervised the implementation of programmes to identify and assess the special education needs of children with disabilities.

Ms Kitembe further explained that her office continued to monitor all local councils to ensure they allocate 10 per cent of their local revenue in plans and budgets for providing loans to women, youth and persons with disabilities.

Meanwhile, Mr Hamadi Komboza, Board Member of the Tanzania Federation of Associations of Persons with Disabilities (SHIVYAWATA), said that since 2024, the group had received government grant totalling 159.4m/-.

He explained that the grant is used to implement policy reforms, enforce existing policies, make necessary improvements and develop guidelines to ensure quality social services for persons with disabilities.

Mr Komboza also highlighted the “4:4:2” scheme, which allows special groups to access interestfree loans from local councils, describing it as a model initiative for promoting self-employment and economic inclusion.

ALSO READ: Govt reminds parenting role to protect children’s rights

On her part, Joy Maongezi, representing the Director of Persons with Disabilities at the Prime Minister’s Office – Policy, Parliamentary Coordination and Persons with Disabilities, said the office is continuing to coordinate an improved system for persons with disabilities and has begun training officials.

The training targets Social Welfare Officers and IT personnel at council, regional, village and ward levels. The new system will help identify persons with disabilities from birth and provide accurate data for planning and implementing development programmes.