As part of Government’s ongoing commitment to Fijians living with disabilities, it will be building a Western Disability Centre, similar to the one in Labasa.

The Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa confirmed the $500,000 investment during the International Disabled Persons Day celebration at Foreshore Park in Savusavu yesterday.

The facility in Labasa is called the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons.

Ms Vuniwaqa also outlined other existing benefits for people living with disabilities which were indicative of Government’s commitment of leaving no Fijians behind in terms of development.

“Government has allocated an estimated budget of $7 million as a separate allowance for persons with permanent disabilities, providing a monthly allowance of $90 per person,” she said,

“$1.1 million is provided as grants to disability provider organisations serving persons living with disabilities.

“There are also a continued 300 per cent tax deduction on wages paid to disabled employees.

An additional, $120,000 has been allocated to promote participation of disabled persons in sporting activities.”

For the first time 11 members of Taveuni Association of Disability travelled from Taveuni Island to be part of this celebration along with those from Savusavu and Labasa.

Taveuni Association of Disability president Samuela Kautoga, a diabetic patient with both legs amputated said they were accompanied by nine personal assistants.

“We wanted to be part of this celebration because we wanted to get away from the emotional pain and trauma of Tropical Cyclone Winston which left our island devastated,” Mr Kautoga said.

The theme for the international celebration is Transformation Towards Sustainable and Resilient Society for All.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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