By Francis Chipalo
RESIDENTS in Luangwa’s Kaboho ward have expressed gratitude with the construction of VIP pit latrines with disability accessibility features that are also user friendly for the aged.
Persons with disabilities especially in most vulnerable rural areas have often been neglected and their concerns overlooked when it comes to among others, infrastructure meeting their needs.
To address this concern, the Scottish government through NIRAS as a coordinating partner is implementing a “Climate Just Communities (CJC) project that includes interventions for persons with disabilities.
The project is being implemented in Luangwa, Sinazongwe, Shangombo and Sioma districts, all aimed at fostering climate resilience and justice for vulnerable populations.
In Luangwa where the project has since taken shape, the development has elated the residents in Kaboho ward, saying the construction of disability – friendly toilets is a game changer.
Boston Zulu said previously, it was a challenge to assist a person with disability accessing the toilet due to lack of infrastructure befitting their needs, but that the construction of the latrines which comes with user-friendly designs have made things easier.
“Right now someone with a disability can easily take themselves to the toilet on their wheelchair without anyone assisting them. The toilets have support fittings where one can easily help themselves,” Zulu said.
And another beneficiary Mary Tapiseni said her old mother was now able to take her self to the toilet and comfortably help herself without being aided, words echoed by another beneficiary Betty Mwanza.
Meanwhile, CJC Disability Inclusion Advisor Bruce Chooma emphasized the need for Zambia to respond to impacts of climate change by having solutions that are locally led and responds to the needs of the most vulnerable in the community.
Chooma expressed happiness that first steps to addressing some challenges affecting persons with disabilities, such as having the VIP pit latrines had been delivered in Luangwa, much to the delight of the beneficiaries.
He also said the intervention by NIRAS as a funder has come at the right time in the country where more is still need to be done to have an all inclusive society.
Chooma made the remarks after an inspection of the project in Luangwa.
