National Commission for Persons with Disability Presents Le9.3Bn for FY2022
5/10/2021
By: Mawusie P.I Dumbuya:
Information, Communications and Outreach Manager
Saa Kortequee Presenting the Commission’s Budget
Chairman James Cullen making a Statement
The National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD) has presented a budget of nine billion and three hundred million leones (Le9,300,000,000.00) on Tuesday 5th October 2021 at the ongoing budget presentations by Ministries, Departments and Agencies at the Ministry of Finance George Street in Freetown.
In his laconic presentation, the Executive Secretary Saa L.R. Kortequee said the Commission like any other Government establishment is part of the process to report on its finances and activities for the years 2020 and 2021, and to present the budget for FY 2022 for the consideration of Government.
He said the 2022 fiscal year budget is geared towards actualizing the vision of NCPD which is: To create a conducive atmosphere in which all categories of persons with disability will live independently and in a dignified manner within the shortest possible time as part of our service delivery, by providing a structurally friendly environment leading to a competence driven workforce; and adding that it is highly gender sensitive.
The scribe of the Commission revealed that embedded in the budget are key deliverables for the FY2022. These deliverables include but not limited to Life Skills and Livelihood Empowerment of PWDs/Centres, establishment of National Development Funds, enforcement of Compliance with Public Infrastructure Accessibility Legislation and Policies, research, monitoring and evaluation of Disability issues, outreach to communities/institutions to increase the awareness on inclusion and popularization of the PWDs Act of 2011 and increased staff strength and institutional capacity building.
Outlining the expected outcomes, Saa Kortequee said if the required funds are available by the end of the 2022 FY 15% of public institutions/premises would have been audited and made accessible for persons with disabilities; 33% of life skills and livelihood centers proposed in the midterm national development plan (MTNDP) will be achieved and over 300 persons with disabilities will be provided sheltered employment and the National Development Funds policy validated and the development funds established.
He said in the midst of numerous challenges which stems from lack of access to timely and adequate subvention and funding opportunities, unrealistic expectations of the Commission by PWDs, lack of collaboration on the side of partners, inadequate staff especially in the regions and unavailability of vehicles; the office has been working assiduously to fulfill government’s plan in the MTNDP.
In his statement, Chairman of the Commission James Cullen said the NCPD is committed to promote the agenda of President Bio for PWDs in the country and with the maximum support from the Ministry of Finance the vision will soon be turned into reality.
NCPD FY2022 Budget Presentation at the Ministry of Finance
He called on civil society organizations and members of the fourth estate to fully propagate the Commission’s activities and highlight its challenges to change the narrative and negative perception of society on PWDs.
The Commission’s presentation was highly commended by those present at the occasion and they promised to look into the budget and recommend the approval of something substantial.
