Centre News Hub
Bikita- Stakeholders have commended the Bikita Rural District Council for developing and approving a disability policy in line with government efforts to promote inclusion under the spirit of leaving no one no place behind expounded by President Emerson Mnangagwa.
Bikita RDC becomes one of the few local authorities to have such a policy at local level in tandem with the national disability policy launched by government in 2021.
Disability rights groups hailed the local authority for prioritizing disability inclusion in the provision of service delivery since Persons With Disability (PWDs) are affected differently by social service provision due to their differing conditions.
Masvingo Disability rights defender, Cover Mugwadi said he was impressed by Bikita RDC for realizing the importance of the disadvantaged group and coming up with a sound policy.
“We are very happy that Bikita RDC has shown great concern and recognized the need to include PWDs in their provision of service delivery through this noble policy. The move will go a long way in addressing service delivery issues that impact PWDs,” said Mugwadi.
Bikita Residents and Rated payers Association (BIRRA), coordinator, Bright Madhuyu welcomed council for heeding their calls to come up with the policy to improve inclusion.
“We are excited that our local authority took heed of our calls to come up with the policy as a residents group we advocate for equal inclusion of all groups in communities hence this will go a long way in addressing service delivery issues that impact persons with disabilities,” said Madhuyu.
He added that Section 22 and Section 83 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the country’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) encourages local authorities to respect disability inclusion in their programming.
Bikita RDC Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Arnold Mtuke said the council was aligning with the national disability policy.
“Some of the key objectives of this policy is mainstreaming Disability Inclusion in service delivery, promoting participation in local governance, eliminating discrimination and barriers as well to build capacity while championing excellent service delivery provision to all,” said Mtuke.
Bikita RDC has been on a massive infrastructure modernization drive that saw it installing state of the art traffic lights at Nyika growth point changing the face of the rural district council. The local authority also acquired a modern refuse compactor truck in its bid to improve waste management. The council is also fronting rehabilitations of various roads in the district while improving access to clean water to communities that did not have adequate sources of clean waters.
