By Joel Phiri

Mzimba, July 11, Mana: Minister of Lands, Deus Gumba has said government would continue constructing houses for people with albinism for their enhanced safety and secure environment.

He was speaking on Wednesday in Mandala Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Muzikubola in Mzimba when he presided over handover ceremony of a house built to a family which was raising two kids with albinism.

Gumba said government was constructing 69 houses across the country with 49 of them fully completed and four handed over to the owners with the remaining ones at finishing levels.

‘‘When President Chakwera took over government four years ago, he pledged to ensure that people with albinism are provided with decent houses for their safety and this ceremony is a testament to fulfilment of that promise,’’ he said.

The Minister added that government has in the current budget provided more funding to cater for 15 additional houses for the same course.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Nertha Mgala called for enhanced collaboration amongst community members and organisations in protecting people with albinism.

 ‘‘We lobby Members of Parliament to consider constructing houses in their constituencies for people with albinism using Constituency Development Fund so more people with albinism have decent houses,’’ she said.

National Coordinator for Association for People Living with Albinism (APAM), Maynard Zakalia hailed government for embarking on the project and father of the children, John Mwale commended government for the project.

 ‘‘This house will provide conducive environment to my children and I ask government to continue constructing such houses to more people with albinism across the country,’’ Mwale added.