Disability Group Raises Concerns Over Distance to Registration Centers
Disability rights advocates have long campaigned for inclusive and accessible services, highlighting the challenges faced by people with disabilities in exercising their rights.
BLANTYRE, Malawi — As the National Registration Bureau continues its outreach exercise across the country, a disability rights group has urged authorities to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing registration services due to long distances, writes Edward Chikwanda.
Symon Munde, executive director of the Federation of Disability Organizations in Malawi (FEDOMA), encouraged people with disabilities to register, emphasizing that every citizen has the right to be recognized.
"The development is good as far as registering is concerned, and as FEDOMA, we are strongly encouraging our people to register, knowing for sure that the card is very vital in the country," Munde said.
However, he appealed to the authorities to consider the distances, as people with disabilities may not be able to travel long distances to reach registration centers, potentially denying them access to bureau services.
John Chilenga, the principal registration officer for Blantyre, acknowledged the challenge and said establishing numerous centers in the commercial city aims to ease the burden of long distances, allowing easier access for people with disabilities.
"People with disabilities should not get worried because the bureau is coming up with a mop-up exercise again, and this will be another chance for disabled people to exercise their rights," Chilenga said, adding that most centers are experiencing a high volume of people.
An assistant registration officer in Blantyre, who requested anonymity, said protocols are in place to prioritize people with disabilities, the elderly, and expectant mothers to minimize their waiting time.
"As an officer, I am entitled to consider these disabled people first, alongside elderly people and those expectant mothers, so they don't have to stay longer while waiting for the services," the officer said.
The National Registration Bureau is expected to commence another outreach exercise in the country after completing phase seven, currently underway in Blantyre rural, Lilongwe rural, and Rumphi districts.
Disability rights advocates have long campaigned for inclusive and accessible services, highlighting the challenges faced by people with disabilities in exercising their rights and accessing essential services.