Zanzibar govt pledges continued support for PWDs
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR First Vice President Mr Othman Masoud Othman, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting people with disabilities (PWDs), ensuring they have access to equal opportunities and a high quality of life, just like all other citizens.
Speaking in Chake Chake, South Pemba Region, during an event where assistive mobility devices and Iftar meals were distributed to PWDs from across Pemba, Mr Othman said that this initiative fulfills both legal obligation and moral responsibility.
He stressed, “Such support promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities for people with disabilities in Zanzibar. I urge those who are financially able to join hands in assisting people with disabilities.”
“Providing such assistance nurtures the spirit of kindness and generosity, a tradition that has been upheld in Zanzibar for generations,” he added, citing Qatar Charity’s contribution of mobility aids as a commendable example.
Mr Othman also called for increased collaboration to support people with special needs, insisting that collective efforts will help reach more individuals and provide essential resources to improve their quality of life.
Minister of State in the First Vice-President’s Office, Ms Harous Said Suleiman, expressed gratitude to the donors and organisations offering support to people with disabilities, urging them to continue their contributions.
She assured the public that the government remains committed to providing necessary assistance to facilitate the distribution of aid to this community.
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She also encouraged business owners and various organisations to extend their generosity by donating essential supplies, such as mobility aids and other necessities, to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
Speaking on behalf of the South Pemba Regional Commissioner, Mkoani District Commissioner Dr Hamad Omar Bakari said that despite ongoing efforts by the government and donors, many people with disabilities continue to face challenging living conditions.
He said that providing them with support not only meets their material needs but also helps foster a sense of belonging in society.
The Executive Secretary of the Zanzibar Disability Council, Mr Ussi Khamis Debe noted that the percentage of people with disabilities in Zanzibar has increased from 5.8 per cent to 10.2 per cent of the Isles’ population.
He stressed the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address their various needs.
“There is still a need for joint efforts from different sectors to support people with disabilities and meet their diverse requirements,” he said.
Senior Project Officer at Qatar Charity, Mr Hassan Juma Hassan revealed that the organisation has invested over 280m/- in procuring and donating assistive mobility devices.
He expressed gratitude to the Zanzibar government for its strong cooperation in implementing this critical initiative.
