SIMBARASHE MTEMBO
MIRROR REPORTER

MASVINGO – The bulk of buildings in Masvingo CBD including the highest office of the Minister of State is not accessible to People with Disabilities (PWDs), a leading campaigner for PWDs has said.
Masvingo Provincial Disability Network Organisation (MPDNO) founder and Chairperson Purazeni Jakata told The Mirror that the office of the Minister of State for Masvingo is not accessible to PWDs.
Equally worrying is that most buildings only have ramps allowing PWDs into their ground floor whilst most offices are situated on the first floor.
“Important places that PLWDs cannot enter are the Minister of State’s Office, Masvingo Polytechnic Library, Masvingo Teachers College and almost all shops around town,” said Jakata.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Ezra Chadzamira did no pick his mobile when contacted for a comment.
Masvingo Poly Principal Engineer Callisto Muzongondi said their works department is currently building ramps at most buildings to allow PWDs access.
Masvingo Town Clerk Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa said it is mandatory for all new buildings to have ramps. He the town council itself now has a policy in hand that emphasizes the recruitment of PWDs.
“It is mandatory for all CBD and commercial buildings to have ramps. We don’t approve the plan if the building does not cater for PWDs. All recently constructed buildings and those under construction all have ramps.
“We have an employment policy that caters for PWDs. Some of the jobs require manual labour and some PWDs are therefore disadvantaged,” he said.