By Richard Shumba

Gweru City Council’s efforts to make its budget consultation process more inclusive have been welcomed by residents. However, concerns remain about barriers that still prevent some individuals with disabilities from fully participating in public meetings.

During a recent pre-budget consultative meeting held in the Mayor’s parlor for the 2027 budget, Cornilia Seliphiwe, Executive Director of the Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA), praised the council for introducing initiatives to accommodate people with disabilities. Nonetheless, he noted significant gaps that need to be addressed.

Seliphiwe acknowledged that the council had provided a sign language interpreter during the consultations, which allowed individuals with hearing impairments to follow the proceedings and contribute to discussions. “We have seen progress in trying to be inclusive.

Having a sign language interpreter was a positive step and shows that the council is beginning to recognize the importance of ensuring everyone participates in decision-making processes,” he stated.

However, he pointed out that the needs of other disability groups were not adequately met. For instance, visually impaired participants faced challenges because consultation materials were not available in Braille, hindering their ability to access crucial information independently.

“The visually impaired needed materials in Braille. While other participants could read the documents, they could not, which is not fair,” Seliphiwe remarked.

He also highlighted difficulties wheelchair users faced, emphasizing that the consultation venue was not fully accessible.

“We were unable to accommodate someone in a wheelchair because the venue was not easily accessible. As a result, that individual was deprived of the opportunity to participate fully in the meeting,” Seliphiwe said.

These disability-related concerns arose during a consultation aimed at gathering residents’ input for the city’s budgeting process before a draft budget is produced.

Seliphiwe stressed that meaningful participation is possible only when all residents, regardless of disability, can access information and attend meetings without barriers. He urged the council to strengthen accessibility measures in future engagements by ensuring venues are wheelchair-friendly and providing documents in formats suitable for visually impaired residents.

Disability rights advocate Nigel P. Tahwa emphasized that accessibility should not be considered an afterthought in public participation processes.

“Persons with disabilities have the same right as everyone else to contribute to decisions that affect their lives. If consultation venues are inaccessible or information is not provided in suitable formats, then a portion of the community is effectively excluded from the process,” Tahwa stated.

Despite these shortcomings, Seliphiwe acknowledged the city’s efforts to improve inclusivity and encouraged authorities to build on the progress made.
“They are trying, and we appreciate the effort. What is important now is to ensure that no resident is left behind due to a disability,” he added.

These remarks coincide with an increasing demand for local authorities across Zimbabwe to make public participation processes more accessible and inclusive for all citizens.

In response to the concerns raised, Gweru City Council Public Relations Officer Vimbai Chingwaramusee said the recent consultation was part of a broader stakeholder engagement process, not the final opportunity for residents to contribute. She explained that the council has adopted a phased approach to stakeholder consultations, engaging different groups at various stages to capture their views.

“This is not the only stakeholder engagement meeting we are going to have. We have more consultations planned, including meetings that will specifically cater to persons with disabilities and other stakeholder groups,” Chingwaramusee noted.

She further clarified that the council had invited a sign language interpreter for the recent meeting to accommodate people with hearing impairments and would continue to engage with other disability groups in future consultations.

“Persons with disabilities are not being excluded.

We are engaging different constituencies separately and will continue creating platforms for them to participate in the budget formulation process,” Chingwaramusee assured, reaffirming the council’s commitment to inclusive public participation and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to contribute to decisions affecting the city’s development.