Street beggars should be relocated to support centres – Disability advocates

Disability advocate Dr Cornelius Chituka has called for street beggars to be relocated to support centres where they can receive care and engage in productive activities instead of relying on begging for survival.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Zambian Business Times-ZBT Dr Chituka said the Government should revitalise centres that previously provided support to persons with disabilities, arguing that such facilities could help address street begging while restoring dignity to those affected.

He cited the Kaunda era, saying there were no street beggars at the time because people with disabilities were accommodated and supported through institutions and centres.

“During the Kaunda days, there were no street beggars. Why? Because the farms were where these people were supposed to be. They were well looked after and funded,” he said.

Dr Chituka named Kangonga, Kambowa, Mutongoro, Masaiti, Mimosa and Cheche among the centres he said could be revitalised to provide alternative support and opportunities for persons with disabilities.