By ALICE NACHILEMBE
Born Shot Living Tall (BSLT) Executive Director Ntalasha Chisha says that people with disabilities still have no access in society on an equal basis with others.
Mr Chisha said different abled people continue fighting for rights to be included in the school system, free movements as well as participation in social life.
He said existing infrastructure in Zambia are not disability friendly and no sign has been given which is aimed at ensuring that the status quo changes.
Mr Chisha said this in a statement for the commemoration of people living with Disabilities day yesterday under the theme “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world”.
He said lack of deliberate interventions and measures which should enable the participation of persons with disabilities in the governance system of the nation as well as public affairs are dim.
Mr Chisha said that they is a gap that need to be brdged hence he has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to inspire new hope and write a new chapter to the differently abled persons in this nation, by creating an empowerment fund for persons with disabilities, among others.
He has made an appeal to the New Dawn Government to enact legislation that will compel both the public and private sector to allocate 5 – 10 % employment opportunities to qualified differently abled persons.