Rutendo Chirume
Even though government is making strides in trying to involve people with disabilities in economic, social and political sectors, People With Disabilities (PWD)s say they are still being left out saying even the infrastructure is not designed to cater for their needs.
Speaking during Masvingo provincial leaders forum held at Chevron on April 4 Secretary of National Council of Disabled in Zimbabwe (NCDZ) Moses Chitombo said people with disabilities should be involved, consulted and given a platform to participate in issues of concern in development of communities where they live.
“The Disabled Act stipulates that people with disabilities should not be denied access to infrastructure that is admission to premises and service provision. But you would realize that the infrastructure we have do not allow us for example at schools on sporting activities, pupils with disabilities are failing to participate, and buildings are not easily accessible.
“Infrastructure is not accommodative to people with disabilities. Also in decision making, people with disabilities should be consulted and participate as their voices also matter and must be heard. It is amazing how even Masvingo service delivery charter has left out service delivery section designed for the people with disabilities,” said Chitombo.
Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) secretary Hatienzaniso Zayapi echoed the same sentiments and said the country is supposed to do a lot if it is to achieve an inclusive society where no one is left out as we head towards vision 2030 where no one is supposed to be left behind.
“The issue of inclusion of people with disabilities on services provision and infrastructure was also raised in all the districts. In this case most government, public and private infrastructures are not friendly to such people. One key example is of Chiredzi Town Council where people with disabilities face challenges in accessing council offices. Apart from that, those with hearing and visual impairments, also request for an inclusive society where no one is left behind,” said Zayapi.
Disability Amalgamation Community Trust ( DACT) spokesperson Henry Chivhanga said people with disabilities should be involved in planning stages and must be included even in public offices.
“Nothing for us without us. Persons with disabilities are often marginalized, left at the peripherals and are thought of as an afterthought. We rarely put them at the forefront when planning development initiatives. The so called able-bodied think and do for people with disabilities. We need to be involved in planning stages and even elected in public offices,” said Chivhanga.
