Phase 1 of PWA housing project completed
Government has, through the Ministry of Lands, handed over a newly constructed house to Mary Matope, mother of two persons with albinism, under the five-year implementation of the Action Plan for the Protection of People with Albinism.
Speaking at the handover event in Traditional Authority Symon in Neno District, Association of Persons with Albinism President Young Muhamba said 22 houses have been completed.
“This is good news to us all.
“However, we are worried that the houses are taking long to be completed and this is worrisome because cases of abuse targeted at people with albinism continue to be registered.
“The government should also increase the monetary allocation to the cause. If we have to reach the target of constructing 900 houses in five years, then the yearly allocation of K500 million will not help us,” he said.
Lands and Urban Development Minister Deus Gumba said this is the beginning of government’s action as it repositions to address challenges persons with albinism face in the country.
“Indeed, there are some contractors who are not on top of their game but this experience will help us improve things in the second phase,” he said.
Jean Sendeza, the Gender and Social Welfare Minister whose ministry is the recipient of the houses, called on Malawians to protect people with albinism.
“I would like to urge parents with children with albinism to encourage them to work hard in school. The general public is being warned against taking advantage of our dear friends due to their vulnerability,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries of the initiative is 16-year-old Sellina Banda, who was all smiles.
According to the Malawi Population and Housing Census Report of 2018, Malawi has 134, 636 people with albinism, of whom 17,156 stay in urban areas while 117,480 people live in rural areas.
