Calls to include disabled in budget

By ELIAS LARI
THE government should include funding for disabled people in its 2012 budget as they contribute to the nation’s development, a Western Highlands spokesman for the disabled said.
For many years, people living with disabilities have been over looked and, in many cases, rejected by families and communities, Lexson Iki, vice-president of the Mount Giluwe disabled centre for the province, said.
Disabled people could develop their lives and become useful in nation-building if the government allocates disability funding, Iki added.
He said if there had been funds allocated in the past for disabled people, it was not known where they had been diverted to.
“With the LNG gas project coming online, the budget will increase and disabled people must be considered and included in a separate budget.
“I have been intending to go to the parliament to ask the MPs why they have been overlooking us for many years. We are the same as able-bodied people and contribute to the nation’s development, paying tax and being included in the census, yet the government is not considering our rights as citizens,” Iki said.
Iki, who is from Tambul, thanked Western Highlands Governor Tom Olga and Tambul-Nebilyer MP Benjamin Poponawa for showing their support to disabled people in the province.
Other MPs should also do the same in their provinces.
Iki also called on Papua New Guineans not to go around asking for money and assistance from their MPs or provincial governors.
The reason why basic goods and services are not reaching the people is because money and resources meant for delivering services were being diverted to assist individuals.
“We must show respect to our mandated leaders or MPs because they have a vision to deliver services with funds and resources available.
“But then a handful of people are going around with excuses and claims in order get hold of what is meant for the majority to benefit from.
“Where will they (MPs) get the money from when individuals and minority groups are going around asking assistance to meet funeral services cost, bride prices or submitting selfish claims to the office of the MP?” he said.