HARARE — The National Social Security Authority has started manufacturing artificial limbs and other assistive devices at the Bulawayo Rehabilitation Centre, although the programme will initially benefit only people who contribute to NSSA, Parliament heard Wednesday.
The development was disclosed during debate in the National Assembly over access to wheelchairs, artificial limbs and other assistive devices for people with disabilities.
Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Edgar Moyo said the government provides wheelchairs and other assistive devices through its Disability Department, but distribution remains limited by the availability of funding from Treasury.
“The issue of assistive devices, including wheelchairs, is coordinated by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare,” Moyo said.
“Now, the disbursements are dependent on the availability of resources from the Treasury. However, we do give those wheelchairs and other assistive devices although it is limited.”
The issue prompted lawmakers to question why Zimbabwe was not manufacturing more assistive devices locally to make them cheaper and more readily available.
Hamauswa asked why equipment such as wheelchairs could not be manufactured domestically, particularly with local steel production at Manhize.
Moyo agreed that local manufacturing could reduce costs and improve availability.
“That is a very good point where, if we manufacture locally, those will become cheaper and readily available,” he said.
He said Zimbabwe currently has few manufacturers of artificial limbs, but NSSA has begun production in Bulawayo.
“At the moment, we have very few manufacturers of say, for example, limbs. However, under the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), under the rehabilitation window, we have now started manufacturing these at the Bulawayo Rehabilitation Centre,” Moyo said.
However, he said access to the NSSA-produced devices would be restricted.
“So, that is going to make these available, but this availability of limbs and other assistive devices is going to be limited to those who are contributing under NSSA,” Moyo said.
He said expanding local manufacturing would be necessary to cater for people outside the social security system.
“However, for the greater population of the country, it will be important to have a wider manufacturing base and the private sector could take advantage of that opportunity,” Moyo said.
The disclosure came as MPs questioned government spending on disability programmes. Parliament was told that, according to figures presented in the 2026 mid-term budget review, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare had utilised 8% of its budget by June 30, while the disability budget line was at 0%.
