DISABILITY GRANT BENEFICIARIES TO BE INCREASE
The Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development will increase the number of disability grant beneficiaries from about 2000 to 4904 in 2026/2027 financial year.
This was said by the Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development Mr. Pitso Lesaoana when requesting M1, 480, 878, 657 from the committee of supply in the National Assembly.
Mr. Lesaoana said although 3,200 persons with disabilities have undergone medical assessment and qualify for the grant, about 2400 will receive the grant, adding to the existing 2000 or above but will leave behind M800 as the maximum limit would be reached.
He indicated that beneficiaries will be selected from all districts of the country, adding that they will no longer receive M1,800.00 quarterly but monthly as M650.00.
He added that the Ministry, wherever possible, strives to increase the grants since last financial year saying the orphaned and vulnerable, child grants, old age pension and public assistance in cash grants amongst others were increased.
On the other hand, the All Basotho Convention (ABC) Leader Mr. Nkaku Kabi supported the Minister’s request, commending the Ministry for increasing the number of disability grants beneficiaries.
However some Members of Parliament argued that all persons with disabilities should benefit from the grant like old age pensioners based on the fact that they are estimated to 8000 and are all vulnerable regardless of the magnitude of disability.
Meanwhile the amount requested stood part of the annual financial estimates.
Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]
