TRA doubles jobs for disabled workers

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) has more than doubled the number of employees with disabilities, with the workforce rising from 18 to 44 as the authority steps up efforts to promote workplace inclusion.

TRA Commissioner General, Mr Yusuph Mwenda revealed the figures in Dar es Salaam while handing over three-wheeled vehicles to employees with disabilities during the closing of a training programme for 44 staff with special needs.

Mr Mwenda said the vehicles are intended to improve employees’ mobility, enabling them to report to work more efficiently and provide timely services to taxpayers.

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“The provision of the bajajis will improve tax services in the country by serving taxpayers diligently and on time,” he said.

He said TRA remains committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their circumstances, and will continue creating a conducive working environment for staff with disabilities.

“TRA currently has 44 employees with disabilities. When I joined TRA, there were 18 employees with disabilities, so the number will continue to increase as employment opportunities become available,” commissioner Mwenda said.

Director of the Tanzania Federation of Organisations of People with Disabilities (SHIVYAWATA), Mr Nemes Temba, said people with disabilities should not only be viewed as beneficiaries of support but should also be involved in finding solutions to the challenges they face.

He said their advice, expertise and experience can help institutions perform their responsibilities more effectively.

One of the beneficiaries, TRA employee, Ms Hope Nsalu, said the vehicle would enable her to travel to work more independently and improve her efficiency in serving taxpayers.

“I sincerely thank the Commissioner General because now I will be able to be more independent in my activities, a situation that will increase my efficiency in serving taxpayers and enable me to reach work on time and safely,” she said.