A local organization Hope for People with Disabilities has expressed its disappointment with the continued exclusion of persons with disabilities in various socio-economic activities in the country.
This was said in Mzuzu when the organization engaged duty bearers from Mzuzu city council, police, education, and health to conversate on various challenges limiting persons with various forms of disabilities from enjoying their rights through accessing various social services.
Among others, the organization has observed that most newly constructed infrastructures are not friendly to people with disabilities despite the government having policies that advocate for the same.
Speaking to MIJ Online, Felix Nyirenda the organization’s resource mobilization officer said such a development is making it difficult for persons with disabilities to access various services thus denying them a chance to participate in various socio-economic activities.
“Most of the buildings being constructed in Mzuzu for example are not accessible to people with disabilities and it begs a lot of questions on our commitment as a country in promoting inclusiveness,” Nyirenda said.
According to Nyirenda, it is sad that the same is happening when Mzuzu City Council has a committee tasked to supervise construction works.
“How does the council let people construct infrastructure without considering people with disabilities? This is sad and it simply speaks volumes of laxity among public officials in promoting inclusiveness in accessing various social services,” observed Nyirenda.
And responding to the raised concerns, Tony Mwenitete deputy mayor for Mzuzu City has dismissed the concerns saying only buildings that were constructed a long time ago are hard to reach by those with disabilities.
“We don’t give a nod to a project that is not considerate of people with disabilities, and we demolish buildings that are not adhering to set standards regarding the construction of infrastructure that is not friendly to persons with disabilities,” said Mwenitete.
Mwenitete further said currently, the council is in talks with owners of buildings that were constructed a long time ago asking them to consider renovating such buildings to ensure they are accessible to persons with disabilities.
Meanwhile, the organization has proposed the inclusion of sign language education in the country’s school curriculum to bridge the communication gap that has existed for a long period of time between the citizenry in general and people with hearing and speaking impairments.
