Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
DISTRICTS across Zimbabwe have been urged to establish village-level databases of persons with disabilities (PWDs) to ensure they are effectively included in development programmes, disaster preparedness initiatives and emergency response plans.
Speaking during a two-day disability-inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) training programme in Gwanda, Leonard Cheshire Disability Zimbabwe (LCDZ) project officer Mr Abednico Siambombe said the absence of reliable data continues to leave many persons with disabilities at grassroots level invisible to planners and service providers.
The training, held on Wednesday and Thursday, brought together members of the Gwanda District Civil Protection Committee, ward disability committees and ward disaster risk reduction committees to strengthen disability inclusion in disaster management and preparedness efforts.
Mr Siambombe said disaster preparedness and response plans often overlook the needs of persons with disabilities, exposing them to heightened risks during emergencies and natural disasters.
“The first day of training focused on ward disaster risk reduction committees and ward disability committees on disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction, an area that is often missing in disaster response. Most interventions focus on disaster management while leaving out the disability component,” he said.
“Today we are training the District Civil Protection Committee because we need leadership from grassroots level up to district level to ensure persons with disabilities are included in planning, policy development and implementation.”
Mr Siambombe said one of the major challenges remains the lack of comprehensive and up-to-date data on persons with disabilities, which makes it difficult for authorities and development partners to plan appropriate interventions and allocate resources effectively.
He said ward disability committees would be trained to identify, document and categorise persons with disabilities according to factors such as disability type, age and gender.
“We have a plan to engage ward disability committees across districts and train them on how they can identify persons with disabilities and categorise them. Once compiled, this database will be shared with duty bearers and key service providers,” said Mr Siambombe.
He said a consolidated database would enable authorities and development partners to design targeted interventions that respond to the specific needs of individuals and communities.
“Every intervention is needs-based. If we do not know how many persons with disabilities are in a ward or district, we cannot adequately plan or allocate resources. Knowing the type of disability each person has also helps determine the specific support they require,” said Mr Siambombe.
Leonard Cheshire Disability Zimbabwe is implementing a three-year disability rights project in partnership with Disability Rights Agenda for Transformation (DRAFT), with financial support from the European union and CBM Global Ireland.
The programme, which commenced in March last year and runs until February 2028, seeks to strengthen organisations of persons with disabilities while promoting the rights of women and young people with disabilities through advocacy, civic participation and institutional capacity building.
In Gwanda District, the initiative includes strengthening disability-inclusive disaster risk management systems through capacity-building for district and ward structures, documenting indigenous and adapted early warning systems, and supporting the development of disability-inclusive disaster risk management plans.
The programme is expected to enhance the participation of persons with disabilities in disaster preparedness, emergency response and recovery efforts while ensuring that no one is left behind during times of crisis.
derick.khumalo