Lesotho National Federation of Organizations of the Disabled (LNFOD) has welcomed the government decision to increase the number of disability grant beneficiaries from about 2000 to 4904, in the upcoming financial year.
LNFOD Executive Director Mr. Rabasotho Moeletsi told the Agency in an interview that the initiative is a positive step towards strengthening social protection amongst Persons with Disabilities(PWDs) although 800 PWDs, who qualify for the grant would be left behind due to financial constraints.
He indicated that PWDs need the grant to cover rising living costs, including access to healthcare, assistive devices, and transport amongst others, calling on the government through the Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development to raise M6 million so that the remaining PWDs could also benefit from the grant.
Meanwhile, earlier when requesting M1, 480, 878, 657 from the committee of supply in the National Assembly, the Minister of Gender, Youth and Social Development Mr. Pitso Lesaoana indicated that although 3,200 PWDs had 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 800 as the maximum limit would be reached.
He added that beneficiaries will be selected from all districts of the country, and that they will no longer receive M1,800.00 quarterly but monthly as M650.00.
LNFOD was established in 1989 to advocate for the rights and inclusion of PWDs. It plays a key role in influencing disability-inclusive policies, building the capacity of member DPOs, and raising awareness of disability issues nationwide.
Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]
