-In Nimba
By: Shallon S. Gonlor
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia – The Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) office in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, is facing criticism for its inaccessibility to people with disabilities. Photographs have surfaced showing the LRA’s office operating from a private rental building that falls short of providing adequate facilities for individuals with disabilities.
This lack of accessibility hinders their ability to access essential services such as business and property registrations, tax clearance, and more. Under the law, public facilities are mandated to ensure equal access to entrances, services, and facilities for people with disabilities. This includes adhering to disability-specific building standards and regulations that facilitate accessibility.
The scope of accessibility extends beyond physical spaces like government buildings and shops to include critical facilities such as restrooms, elevators, and transportation. Features like ramps, accessible parking, and audible signals are essential in preventing disability discrimination.
Abestine Tozay, President of People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nimba County, has strongly condemned the LRA’s new rental building, citing it as a clear case of discrimination against PWDs in the county.
“The use of this building is total discrimination,” Mr. Tozay emphasized, highlighting the urgent need for accessible infrastructure.
According to Mr. Tozay, the inaccessibility of the LRA building poses significant challenges for persons with disabilities who require various services that involve transactions with the authority. He said that, as a result, a few individuals from the disability community who are engaged in different businesses are unable to access the building, which ultimately threatens their business operations.
Meanwhile, Mr. Tozay is calling on the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) to ensure accessibility at its Nimba office in Sanniquellie City. He emphasized the critical need for inclusive governance, stressing that public facilities should be accessible to everyone without discrimination.
