Ho West District Assembly supports 71 PWDs

The Ho West District Assembly has equipped 71 people living with various forms of Disabilities (PWDs) with working tools to enable them to undertake income-generating activities, provide for themselves, and reduce burdens on their families.

The tools included industrial sewing machines, cassava grinding machines, fufu-pounding machines, tomatoes and pepper grinding machines, plastic chairs for rental services, refrigerators, and cash for those who opted for provision stores.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony yesterday, the Ho West District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Francis Profer Duse, said the equipment and other supports were provided out of the three per cent share of the disability fund of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).

Mr Duse stated that it was the government’s decision to make judicious use of the money to support PWDs to have permanent economic activities. He also explained that the Ho West Assembly had put in place measures to ensure that the beneficiaries would use the equipment for its intended purpose.

He noted that the era when “pocket monies” were given to PWDs was over. Economic empowerment would enable PWDs to become an integral part of business activities in their areas, contribute meaningfully to local economic growth, and improve their living standards.

Mr Duse, however, warned the beneficiaries not to sell the equipment provided, saying the Social Services Sub-Committee of the Assembly would regularly visit them to ensure that they were using the equipment. He also cautioned caretakers of PWDs not to personally use the proceeds generated, adding that necessary actions would be taken if such issues were reported.

Furthermore, he stressed the need for caretakers to supervise business activities to ensure efficient use of the equipment to meet the needs of PWDs and make life more comfortable for them.

The Ho West District Director of the Department of Social Welfare, Mr Prince Semabiah, announced that the district had a total of 757 PWDs and that the equipment would be delivered to them in batches.

Mr Semabiah said the Social Services Sub-Committee educated residents on the available support for PWDs, and applications were received indicating various forms of assistance. This led to the provision of the equipment based on the choices of the PWDs.

He noted that various assembly members were involved in identifying the needs of the PWDs to ensure they would be supported to lead more meaningful lives.

The Chairman of the Ho West District Assembly Social Services Sub-Committee, Mr Samuel Ntow, added that the assembly also organised a health exercise for the PWDs with the support of non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

FROM SAMUEL AGBEWODE, DZOLOKPUITA

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