Zomba buildings shut out people with disabilities

A routine trip to shop, report a case or seek a public service remains an uphill battle for many people with disabilities in Zomba, exposing accessibility gaps that continue to limit their independence.

A Malawi24 survey established that several commercial buildings, supermarkets and public offices across the city remain inaccessible to people with disabilities due to the absence of essential accessibility features, preventing many from accessing services with dignity and independence.

The survey found that business premises, including Ahad Supermarket, Bread Talk, DAPP, Motani and several Indian-owned wholesale shops, lack disability-friendly facilities such as ramps and other access features needed by people with mobility challenges.

Public institutions have also not been spared. We established that Zomba City Council, the Zomba High Court and Magistrate Court, the Eastern Region Police Headquarters and Airtel offices are difficult to access for people with disabilities, particularly those with mobility and visual impairments.

Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities in Malawi Project Coordinator Andrew Chinkanda said lack of accessible infrastructure continues to deny people with disabilities equal opportunities to access essential services.

Inaccessible for persons with disabilities

He called on Zomba City Council to renovate its offices and ensure owners of commercial buildings install disability-friendly facilities to enable people with disabilities to move around freely and access services without barriers.

“We are appealing to the authorities to instruct owners of commercial buildings to renovate their structures,” he said.

Responding to the concerns, Zomba City Chief Executive Officer Archangel Bakolo said the council has not received any formal complaint regarding the issue.

Bakolo, however, encouraged disability rights organisations to submit their concerns in writing so the council can assess the issues and take appropriate action.

“Let them write formal complaint and submit to my office,” he said

The concerns come as disability rights advocates continue to push for improved accessibility in public and private buildings, arguing that equal access is a fundamental right and a key requirement for inclusive development.