Tanzania: Rights of Folks With Disabilities Nonetheless Beneath Regarded – Home Instructed

Zanzibar – Ms. Mwantatu Mbarouk, Legislator on Special Seats for Women, said little has been done so far, despite local and international calls for measures to promote the rights of people with disabilities.

“We are talking about inclusive development or no one lagging behind. It is unfortunate that even in government projects – building buildings – the need for people with disabilities such as easy accessibility is ignored,” said Ms. Mbarak.

She voiced concern in the House of Representatives yesterday at the inhospitable environment for people with disabilities as she discussed the 2020 / 2021-2023 / 2024 Development Plan presented by Finance and Planning Minister Jamal Kassim last week.

Citing an example where the recently established Department of Education and Training is not easily accessible for people with disabilities, she said, “Especially those with the visually impaired … Government buildings should set examples.”

When drafting it, the legislature stated that it was high time to review the “Disability Act No. 9 of 2009” in order to strengthen it so that all projects (all infrastructures including buildings and roads) take people with disabilities into account.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goal # 11 (SDG – 2030) says authorities should work hard to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe and sustainable.