Renowned governance expert Rafiq Hajat has termed calls for the creation of a Ministry of Disability as economically impractical.
In its press statement issued on February 10, APAM asked government to act with urgency on creating standalone Disability Ministry and appoint a disability passionate Minister to ensure proper implementation of interventions for disability fraternity.
But commenting on the development, Hajat, suggested that instead of setting up a new ministry, the funds could be utilized to reinforce the existing Department of Disability while it is still in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare.
Hajat said: “It’s a fact that our brothers and sisters with disabilities have a valid case that their plight is not getting the attention it deserves and no wonder they are asking a separate ministry to get proper attention however a new ministry will need to incur more expenses.”
In the statement, APAM has also given government a 30-day ultimatum to act on their grievances, failing which, unspecified action will be taken.
Apart from asking for the independence of the Department of Disability, APAM has also called for the provision of funding to complete investigative research into the illegal market driving violence against persons with albinism in Malawi.
Furthermore, the association has also lobbied for a completion of all cases against persons with albinism and the appointment of the Chairperson of National Technical Committee on Persons with Albinism in Malawi.
