By Tatiana Mhararira
People with disabilities (PWDs) in Masvingo have raised concern over poor infrastructure across the city which they have said fails to accommodate them especially in public places.
Speaking at a Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) community engagement meeting at Chevron Hotel in Masvingo on March 28, 2025 a Masvingo resident, Moses Chitombo said the infrastructure at clinics and other public places were not accessible for PWDs.
“At Mucheke Clinic a PWD cannot access the toilet because from the entrance there is a trench and one cannot get through.
“We appeal that the budget should make sure that the buildings that were build long ago be made accessible for PWDs. We also appeal to council to ensure that new buildings are inclusive to all, their designs must cater for us as well,” said Chitombo.
The resident also queried council on whether or not the sports facilities that were being built around the city were PWD inclusive.
“Currently we do not have sports facilities for the PWDs and we want the budget to also construct sporting facilities which will create entertainment for the PWDs in Masvingo,” he said.
In his response, Masvingo City representative Tinashe Chamwaita said renovations were being made on some buildings and the local authority was also working on the sports facilities.
“We are renovating some of the infrastructures to ensure that you have access to such facilities. About Mucheke Clinic we will report the matter to the authorities so the issue can be addressed
“I appreciate that we are lacking on providing inclusive sports facilities but we are currently upgrading our sports facilities including Mucheke Stadium it’s included on the budget,” said Chamwaita.
Another resident appealed for hospital beds which are user friendly in the maternity wards so they can access them without challenges.
“The beds in the maternal ward are too high and l am appealing to authorities if it is possible we can get beds which are different from the ones already there which we can use without problems as PWDs,” she said.
