Gweru council sets up special disability desk

GWERU City Council (GCC) has set up a special disability desk to serve people with disabilities (PWDs) at the revenue hall in line with the local authority’s policy to incorporate such people in service delivery.

The special disability desk is part of efforts to promote, protect and ensure the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms by all residents.

The introduction of the desk received a positive reception from people with disabilities and their organisations, describing the gesture as resonating with the demands of the National Disability Policy (NDP) which was launched in 2021 by President Mnangagwa.

The policy which was developed with support from various stakeholders including the UN, seeks to address the marginalisation and discrimination of PWDs, empower them to improve their own quality of life and enable them to contribute towards the national development agenda.
It sets standards for the inclusion of PWDs in all facets of life, thereby serving as an overarching policy framework on disability across all sectors, including the public, private, and development sectors.

Officially presenting the desk at the revenue hall, Gweru deputy mayor Councillor Edson Kurebgaseka said the disability desk is a milestone aimed at ensuring that all residents access convenient transactions at the town house.

He said the local authority seeks to create an enabling inclusive environment for all its stakeholders.
“As a council, we are committed to working towards creating and maintaining accessible facilities and services. We want to enable our customers to pay their bills and seek assistance in the most convenient manner,” said Clr Kurebgaseka.

He said PWDs are residents and stakeholders of the city and therefore council has an obligation to avail opportunities and services that are not discriminating against them.

“As such we should be inclusive in all we do. This initiative will go a long way in ensuring that people with disabilities are comfortable when seeking services,” said Clr Kurebgaseka.

He commended Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) for making sure that the local authority establishes the special desk.
GRRA came up with a special desk initiative for PWDs.

“Let me hasten to call on the business community in the city to follow a good example and set up a disability-friendly environment at their workspaces. This initiative shows the commitment we have towards our residents, clients, and stakeholders in ensuring that everyone’s basic needs are met,” said Clr Kurebgaseka.

Let’s Make a Different Disability Zimbabwe director, Mr Nigel Tahwa said before the establishment of the special counter, it was very difficult for PWDs to pay their bills and communicate their concerns with council cashiers.

He said the creation of the desk is going to ease accessibility challenges of services for PWDs in the city.
“I would like to applaud all those who made this disability counter possible. Today, the disability counter is officially opened to cater to all ratepayers with disabilities. This counter will help people with disabilities pay their bills easily,” said Mr Tahwa.

“It is good to note that people with disabilities have been considered. Before this counter, it was very difficult for people with disabilities to pay their bills and communicate with tellers in this revenue hall because of various barriers.”