SOME PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE SPACES AND PUBLIC TOILETS REMAINS A CHALLENGE FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES
In Zambia the availability of disability public restrooms and infrastructure spaces such as markets and bus station remains a serious and pressing challenge especially for those grappling with mobility issues.
When seeking access to these facilities, persons living with disabilities faces unescapable problems. In the country Disabilities Act No. 6 of 2012, mandates that public places provide accessible facilities for people with disabilities in the comfort like the ones in their homes which is fundamental and universal obligation.
While visiting the all-too-important facility, we often take comfort for granted as we respond to the call of nature. And the Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities (ZAPD) has the authority to inspect public and private institutions to ensure compliance with the law.
However, how frequently do you pause to consider the experiences of Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) who strive to access these facilities and seek comfort just like anyone else?
Does ZAPD or the authority reminds institutions, landlords to place greater emphasis on inclusivity in washroom construction, ensuring that the needs of all, including PLWDs, are thoughtfully considered and addressed?
The lack of inclusivity in public restroom design and construction perpetuates a stark reality where individuals with mobility challenges often face insurmountable obstacles in their quest for a fundamental human necessity.
According to the 2015 National Disability Survey conducted by Unicef in Zambia, persons with disabilities make up nearly 10.9 % of the population.
John Bwalya who relies on crutches for mobility says as a person with disability, he find it difficult to access public toilets within Soweto and City market in Lusaka because these restrooms are not disability friendly.
Bwalya notes that public toilets lack essential features such as grab bars, which are vital for maintaining balance and independence while transferring onto and off the toilet seat.
He also highlights the deplorable state of some of these public facilities as many lack running water, which is an essential requirement for hygiene.
Bwalya lamented that there is a need for inclusivity. When constructing restrooms, we should be considered. Visiting a public restroom should be a matter of convenience, rather than a daily struggle for those living with disabilities,” he notes.
Ireen Tembo 39 who relies on wheelchair for mobility, bravely shares with this reporter on the challenges she encounters when using public washrooms in Lusaka. “There are no handles to assist me while using the toilets.
This is because squatting is a challenge to me, yet most of the public toilets are designed in a way that requires one to squat. This makes it extremely daunting to use them,” she says.
In her exploration of the city, Ms. Tembo says in bus stations, markets crucial hubs of activity, lack any facilities designed with the needs of persons living with disabilities in mind.
Public toilets strategically positioned throughout the city within the CBD, strategically situated at key points such as bus stops and markets none is friendly to PLWDs.
“Sometimes you visit a restroom only to find that there is no water. Furthermore, most of these facilities feature traditional bowl toilets, which pose a considerable challenge for those with mobility challenges.
Moreover, for individuals using wheelchairs, the doors are too narrow, making it an arduous task to find a suitable space for personal relief,” says Ms Tembo.
Ms. Tembo urges the government and organizations to recognize the urgency of the situation. “Everywhere there is a public toilet, the government or relevant organizations should make it a priority to ensure that there are restroom facilities catering specifically to persons living with disabilities.
Equally important is the provision of running water, which is essential to their basic needs,” Ms. Tembo says.“Using the toilet is a substantial challenge in the CBD. Carrying water to clean the waste is usually a painful and embarrassing task because you can’t ask people to clean it up for you.
The toilets we use are not modern, exposing me to a lot of infections because I have to sit. I can’t support myself to bend while using the toilet.
Accessing public toilets is sometimes even harder as most lack facilities to accommodate persons with disabilities. It is crucial for these facilities to be modernized to meet the needs of PLWDs,” Bwalya told this reporter.
According to MedicineNet, an online healthcare media publishing company, there are several bacteria and parasites that can survive on bathroom surfaces.
The common organisms found on toilet seats are bacteria, influenza, streptococcus, E. coli, hepatitis, staphylococcus, salmonella, shigella and norovirus. As per multiple health reports, each square inch of a toilet seat carries more than 50 bacteria.
He noted that shortage of facilities, prompts some people to use plastic bags for their sanitation needs.
The toilets require a fee for usage. In Lusaka Public toilets costs K3 per visit, a financial hurdle for many, among them individuals with disabilities.
Banda said individuals using wheelchairs encounter numerous obstacles when utilizing public restroom facilities, putting them at risk of various challenges, including infections.
One major issue highlighted by Banda is the lack of wheelchair ramps in many buildings and washrooms, hindering PLWDs’ ability to access essential facilities independently.
“People who use wheelchairs encounter numerous challenges, particularly when utilising public washrooms, thereby exposing them to a range of issues, including the heightened risk of infections,” noted Mr. Banda.
He pointed out that some washrooms either lack ramps altogether or have insufficient features, forcing individuals with disabilities to rely on others for assistance.
Even when a ramp is present, narrow doorways pose additional challenges, compromising the privacy rights of PLWDs who sometimes struggle to go in and out them comfortably.
Mr. Banda further addressed the hygiene concerns prevalent in some public washrooms, emphasizing that inadequate facilities expose PLWDs to a heightened risk of infections.
He noted that certain facilities, such as urinals positioned at impractical heights for those with shorter stature or individuals using wheelchairs, contribute to these hygiene challenges.
The elevated height of sinks also presents a hurdle for PLWDs, making it difficult for them to wash their hands effectively after using the facilities.
“Some urinals, for instance, are impractically high for individuals with shorter stature or those using wheelchairs,” said Mr Banda.
In light of these issues, Mr Banda urged both the government and those in positions of authority to prioritize inclusivity in the design and maintenance of public washrooms.
He stressed the need for comprehensive measures, including the installation of wheelchair ramps, wider doorways, and adjustments to fixture heights to ensure that washrooms cater to the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities.
And Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities Senior Implementation Officer, Emma Phiri emphasized the pivotal role of public participation in shaping the planning and design of public buildings, a process he said has been ongoing for a considerable period.
Ms. Phiri underscored the crucial guidance provided by the Minimum Accessibility Standards established in the Disability Act No. 6 of 2012.
“These standards serve as a comprehensive framework for contractors, offering clear directives on how to design public toilets that cater to the diverse needs and concerns of PLWDs,” she said.
However, she acknowledged the existing challenges in the construction industry, attributing them to factors such as contractor unawareness, substandard workmanship, and inadequate enforcement.
“In response to these issues, she said government through ZAPD and Ministry of community Development and Social Services are actively engaged in sensitizing contractors,” said Ms. Phiri.
By Samuel Mbewe
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