2017 Budget has ignored us, cry disabled

By Ann Zulu

PEOPLE living with disabilities have accused Government of excluding them in the 2017 national budget.

Speaking on their behalf, goodwill ambassador for the disabled, Elijah Ngwale, described the budget as discriminatory to the disabled, claiming that they have been left out.

On Friday, Finance Minister Felix Mutati presented the 2017 national budget to Parliament during which he announced far-reaching measures to resuscitate the economy.

Mr. Ngwale lamented that there was no mention in the budget as to how much money had been allocated towards helping the disabled.

 “People with disabilities have been totally excluded in the budget. I carefully followed all the proceedings when the budget was being presented and there was no mention of the disabled,” said Mr. Ngwale.

“We have seen an allocation of funds for women and youth but there is nothing touching on those living with disabilities. Are we not part of this county or don't we deserve to be given funds to support ourselves and our families?”

He noted that Mr. Mutati only explained that some money had been allocated to “assist the vulnerable”.

Mr. Ngwale argued that the word ‘‘vulnerable’’ was vague, as every person was vulnerable in one way or another and could therefore claim some money from the allocation.

“When I made some inquiries, I was told that we fall under ‘vulnerable’ but even people who are able-bodied are vulnerable. So the word ‘vulnerable’ is very vague; we are a standalone group of people, therefore we cannot fall in that category,” he said.

Mr. Ngwale recalled that previous national budgets clearly explained how much money would be allocated for the disabled and women or youth empowerment.

He appealed to Government to consider revisiting the budget and ensure that there was an allocation specifically for the disabled before Parliament approved it.

“We feel so rejected and we think that something needs to be done before Parliament approves the budget to ensure that we are also included. As at now, people with disabilities reject the budget in its present form,” he said.