THE Gweru City Council, in partnership with Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA), has launched a disability desk to improve access to services for people with disabilities (PWDs). GRRA initiated the opening of the desk following a meeting with PWDs.
Speaking at the official launch of the desk at Town House early this week, deputy mayor Edson Kurebgaseka said the development would improve access to council services by PWDs.
“This official opening of the disability desk is a milestone achievement to ensure that disabled people have access to convenient payment of bills,” Kurebgaseka said.
“As we strive towards being a sustainable prosperous city of choice by 2030, we want to make sure that we do not leave anyone behind.”
He said council was 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,” he said.
Applauding GRRA for spearheading the establishment of the facility and calling on businesses in the Midlands province to ensure disability friendly environments, he added: “People with disabilities are residents and stakeholders of our city as such we should be inclusive in all we do.”
GRRA director Cornelia Selipiwe said his organisation pushed for the desk after meeting PWDs who said they were facing difficulties in accessing council offices.
“The PWDs said how can we pay our bills without necessarily needing an aide? So this desk will necessitate an interface between the wheelchair user and council employees in a direct manner,” he said.
Gweru-based disability advocate, Nigel Tahwa commended GRRA and council for setting up the desk which he said was a milestone for access to services at the local authority by PWDs.
Source Newsday
