By: Mawusie P.I Dumbuya
Head of Communication
As consultations on the development of a new strategic plan for the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD) concludes in the provinces; Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Southern Region had on Friday 4th December, 2020 during NCPD regional consultation in Bo called on the hired consultant to develop an inclusive Strategic plan which would solve the numerous challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the country.
In her statement Sierra Leone Union on Disability issues (SLUDI) Southern Region representive in the Commission’s Board Elizabeth Katta said they want to see a plan that reflects the issues of PWDs in the country.
She said her Organization will fully support the process to ensure that their voices are heard; ” the work is being done for us and we want our thoughts and ideas to be captured” she averred.
Sierra Leone Blind Association (SLAB) Secretary General in Pujehun District John Fullah said SLAB want to see a strategic plan that prioritizes awareness raising and promote capacity building for PWDs which is in line with government’s mid term development plan.
NCPD’s Regional Coordinator South John Conteh said representatives were drawn from all the district in his region to ensure that the views of PWDs are captured.
He said the process is for PWDs to help map out activities that the Commission will undertake in the next five (5) years.
He said President Julius Maada Bio’s broadcast to the nation on the International Day for Persons with Disabilities had shown that the government is committed to promote activities that are initiated and implemented by Commission; “the strategic plan will match up with government’s priorities” he concluded.
The consultant said he had perused the expired strategic plan of the Commission, highlighted the grey areas, ” I will work assiduously to develop a plan which represents PWDs and enhance NCPD’s work” he maintained.
He revealed that the new plan will be profiling of the Commission and show a clear pathway to attract donors.
The consultation process will continue in the Western Area.
