Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (Macoda) says there is need for councils to intensify efforts in ensuring inclusivity of persons with disabilities in projects to empower them economically.
The organisation’s programmes manager Alexander Sinoya told duty-bearers at the district council that they need to be familiar with provisions in the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2024.
He said: “These are the custodians of the Act, so we though it wise to engage them to amplify the voices to local structures.
| Zondani Mbale
“Our expectation is that they will help raise awareness on the need to involve persons with disabilities in development projects.”
Federation of Disability Organisations in Malawi project coordinator Malonje Phiri also appealed to duty-bearers in the district to ensure that persons with disabilities are not facing discrimination in communities.
“Let us ensure make projects inclusive for the country to achieve Malawi 2063,” he said.
Nkhata Bay district information officer Chisomo Kambandanga said the council will take the Act to local structures to ensure that no one is left behind in development projects.
“People with disabilities have the right to participate in development projects,” he said.
One of the persons with disabilities George Manda from Traditional Authority Timbiri welcomed the initiative, saying it will empower them.
“People with disabilities can also contribute towards the development of the district if empowered,” he said.
Macoda is implementing a three-year project in 16 districts to create opportunities for young persons with disabilities with funding from Agra.
