Malawi Council for Disability Affairs (Macoda) has called for collaboration to support persons with disabilities with tricycles to address their mobility challenges.
Macoda director general George Chiusiwa said this on Saturday when Action for Progress under the Church of Christ handed over 65 tricycles to persons with disabilities in Mchinji District.
He also underscored the need for increasing budgetary allocations towards interventions for persons with disabilities for Malawi to attain an inclusive community by the year 2063.
Chiusiwa, however, noted that despite laws and policies designed to advance the rights of persons with disabilities, limited resources are a major concern.
He said: “However, we are pleased to say that Action for Progress has reached over 1 200 persons with disabilities in four districts with tricycles.
“The provision of assistive devices such as tricycles will empower beneficiaries to participate in life-changing programmes.”
Chiusiwa asked beneficiaries to take care of the tricycles.
On his part, Action for Progress project secretary Mark Thiesen said the support seeks to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy fundamental rights just as others.
He commended government and other stakeholders for their commitment to safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities.
“Good transportation opens doors for business and other entrepreneurship opportunities,” said Thiesen.
A beneficiary, Maria Thera, thanked Macoda and Action for Progress for the support.
She said the tricycle will help her in her do better in thobwa (sweet beer) business without challenges.
“I support my family with my business. However, I was unable to make more money because of mobility challenges. With the tricycle, I can take the thobwa to schools or the market for sale,” she said.
Action for Progress handed over the tricycles to beneficiaries from traditional authorities Mduwa, Dambe, and Zulu in the district.
