Person with albinism gets K45m house

T

he Ministry of Lands has handed over a K45 million house to a person with albinism in Traditional Authority Mwanza in Salima District.

Speaking on Monday during the handover of the house to Chinsinsi Luka, 17, Minister of Lands Deus Gumba said government is committed to provide security to persons with albinism.

He said: “President Lazarus Chakwera heard the concerns of persons with albinism. Our friends were being hunted like wild animals.

“So when the President came into power, he assured Malawians to provide security for them. This is why the ministry is constructing these houses.”

Gumba said government has resources to fund the project, adding that the houses are being constructed nationwide.

Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza echoed Gumba’s sentiments that for a long time the lives of persons with albinism were at stake due to, among others, living in insecure homes.

“Persons with albinism are supposed to have decent houses that are secure. We are witnessing the promises made by the President come true,” she said.

Sendeza said government plans to construct a factory to produce body lotion for persons with albinism.

“All resources are available and we are set,” she said.

In his remarks, Luka expressed excitement with the house, saying it will offer him security.

“I will feel protected in this house. I appeal to the President to construct more houses for other persons with albinism,” he said.

Besides living in fear, Luka said he was facing discrimination, which made him feel insecure.

Luka has just sat for this year’s Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education examinations.

Both Gumba and Sendeza appealed to communities surrounding the house to continue protecting persons with albinism.