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Mukudzei Chingwere in Victoria Falls
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has challenged building designers and regulators to prioritise accessibility and rights of persons with disabilities when designing buildings in line with the United Nations conventions on the rights of persons with disabilities.
He was speaking this morning at the ongoing inaugural contractors’ regional summit in Victoria Falls.
He said infrastructure access by people living with disabilities can no longer be an afterthought but should be prioritised from the outset.
“I wish to challenge building designers and regulators to religiously prioritise accessibility and rights of persons with disabilities during the design of buildings in observance of the United Nations conventions on the rights of persons with disabilities,” said VP Chiwenga.
“The architecture of buildings should incorporate ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms and adaptable living spaces and desist from adding them on after construction is completed.
“You are all aware that persons with disabilities in Zimbabwe alone constitute about 9,5 percent of the population.
“It is therefore, crucial that we prioritise their inclusion in all aspects of life including access to buildings and infrastructure. This will enable them to fully participate in all economic and social facets of our society.”
The summit has attracted construction experts from the SADC region and is running under the theme, “Leveraging Investment in Infrastructure as a catalyst for Economic Growth”.
The summit comes as stakeholders in the construction sector continue to explore new opportunities and strengthen partnerships across the region.
Online Reporter