THE Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has given Zambia $45,000 for the development of barrier-free plans and policies in national development programmes

Speaking yesterday at the training workshop to sensitise planners of buildings, JICA resident representative. Eiji Inui, said the money would be given in $15,000 installments over a period of three years.

He said the funds would be given under the Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) and full consideration would be given to the socially weak, such as disadvantaged, children and the elderly.

And deputy minister in the ministry of Community Development and social services, Ronald Banda, said Government already had legislative measures in place to remove the barriers.

He said no country could afford to ignore the potential contribution of its entire people including the aged, disabled and others in similar situations.

He said it was time the country started implementing the planned programmes so that the weak members of society would be provided with equal opportunities as other members of society.

And the CZECH Republic has pledged support to Zambia Red Cross Society (ZRCS) through its bilateral aid programme in Southern Africa, ZRCS acting secretary-general, Charles Mushitu, has said.

Czech Republic ambassador accredited to Zambia, Jaroslav Olsa Junior, announced this when he met a ZRCS delegation led by national president, Dr Tito Fachi, during a working dinner in Lusaka on Sunday.

Mr Olsa said the Czech Republic had a long history of cooperation with Zambia dating back to pre-independence era especially in the field of education through its scholarships scheme in which hundreds of young Zambian students continue to benefit.

He said his Government was impressed with the steps Zambia was taking to improve the lives of the most vulnerable, hence the decision by his government to make Zambia a primary focus of attention in the region.

He revealed that his government would support Zambia, through the ZRCS in the areas of livestock production, food security and HIV/AIDS in Western and Southern provinces.

A team of Czech experts is already in the country to carry out baseline surveys for project implementation in the two provinces.

And Dr Fachi thanked the government of the Czech Republic for identifying the ZRCS as the vehicle for this support in Zambia.

He said his society was in a hurry to take development to Western Province to help Government address the needs of the people there.

Mr Osla has since extended an invitation to the ZRCS national executive committee for a meeting in Harare where he is based.

The meeting to further discuss the plan of action and implementation is scheduled to take place on Tuesday October 26, 2004.