Councillors drivers of disability policy, workshop told

MOROBE community development programme adviser Kiun Kimbing says ward councillors are the drivers of the national disability policy.
Kimbing told the 50 participants at a Bulolo disability capacity building and empowerment workshop that they were the ones to implement policy and drive disability rights.
“We have very special needs and we must continue to highlight those needs in our communities,” Kimbing said.
He said ward councillors were the authorities in the community to see the policy fully implemented.
“Local level government councillors will be the ones to drive disability agendas in very lowest levels within family and community,” he said.
“We make policies, make plans but did not recognise and utilise councillors most of the time.”
Kimbing said councillors gained respect with their status remaining high and they will be more responsible in dealing with all issues in the community.
He admitted that there were problems in driving the national disability policy to people and community.
“We have a responsibility,” he said.
“No one will solve issues associated with disability in communities.
“The community themselves will solve those with support from government.  Believe in yourselve, meet challenges and drive disability agenda in the community.”