Africa-Press – Tanzania. ZANZIBAR’S First Vice President, Mr Othman Masoud Othman, has launched a five-year initiative worth 20bn/- to strengthen the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities in both Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland.
Speaking at the launch of the Collective Action for Disability Rights (CADiR) project at the Madinat al-Bahr Hotel in Mbweni, the Vice President commended the National Council for People with Disabilities, SHIJUWAZA (Federation of Associations of People with Disabilities in Zanzibar), and the Norwegian Association for the Disabled (NAD) for their joint efforts in championing inclusion.
“The 2022 Population and Housing Census showed a sharp rise in the number of people with disabilities, from 5.8 percent in 2012 to 11.4 percent in 2022. This calls for stronger services, inclusive systems, and more enabling environments,” he said.
The CADiR project, funded by NAD at NOK 91.5 million (approx. 20bn/-), will run from 2025 to 2029.
It will target 11 districts in Zanzibar and nine regions on the mainland, focusing on inclusive education, economic empowerment, health and rehabilitation, and advocacy.
Mr Othman outlined ongoing government measures to support persons with disabilities, including: the establishment of the National Council for People with Disabilities; a special development fund now capitalized with 300m/- annually; economic empowerment loans through the Zanzibar Economic Empowerment Agency (ZEEA); and construction of disability-friendly schools, hospitals, and roads.
He further revealed plans to build a national rehabilitation and care centre for persons with disabilities. “As a nation, we must regard the rights of persons with disabilities as part of our culture. This requires collaboration so that no one is left behind,” he stressed, pledging full support from his office to ensure CADiR’s success.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of State in the First Vice President’s Office Harusi Said Suleiman praised Norway for its continued support, noting that the government has prioritized equal opportunities, including access to loans for persons with disabilities.
Minister of Health, Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, highlighted stigma as a barrier to equality: “Every person has equal rights. Our ministry is working to educate citizens about risks that contribute to disabilities, such as accidents, non-communicable diseases, and complications during childbirth.”
From NAD, Ms Elise Bjastard, Senior Advisor, said they were pleased to see the project take off, while Mr Abdalla Amour, NAD Country Director in Zanzibar, called for broad collaboration: “We ask for cooperation from all stakeholders and beneficiaries to make this project a success.”
Representing the Regional Commissioner for Unguja Mjini-Magharibi, West District Commissioner (DC) Amour Mmanga praised President Hussein Ali Mwinyi’s commitment to disability inclusion, citing appointments in government, employment opportunities, and increased budget allocations.
Before the launch, Mr Hija Shamte of NAD-Zanzibar’s technical team presented a short video illustrating the project’s structure and the challenges persons with disabilities face, which the initiative aims to address.
The CADiR project is expected to significantly strengthen advocacy and service delivery, advancing Zanzibar’s vision of an inclusive society where persons with disabilities are empowered to fully participate in national development.
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