Africa-Press – Botswana. Wheelchair enhances personal mobility which is a precondition for enjoying human rights, Member of Parliament for Maun East Mr Goretetse Kekgonegile has said.
In his key note address at the International Wheelchair Day on recently, Mr Kekgonegile acknowledged the vital role wheelchairs played in enhancing the quality of life of people with mobility challenges. He said millions of people in the world needed a wheelchair but were unable to acquire one.
According to the World Health Oorganisation (WHO) report, about 10 per cent of the global population which is equivalent to 650 million people with disabilities required a wheelchair. Furthermore, only a minority of those in need of wheelchairs had access to them while very few had access to an appropriate wheelchair.
Referencing the WHO report, he said Botswana also found itself in that space where the government and other organisations were only able to service a small fraction of people with disabilities, especially in providing assistive devices like wheelchairs.
“Our rehabilitation offices can attest to endless list of people who in need of services such as those,” he added.
However, Mr Kekgonegile appreciated the work of many people who provided wheelchairs as well as support and care for wheelchair users, making the world a better and more accessible place for people as a result.
These, he said included the Ministry of Health through the work of rehabilitation offices country wide, non-governmental organisations with the capacity to resource mobilise and make a provision of disability various assistive devices which include wheelchairs. He furhter acknowledged parastatals which through in kind donations support in the purchase and distribution of assistive devices.
He applauded organisations such as Botswana Council for the Disabled, Eyelight Optometrists Tlokweng, Motor Vehicle Fund (MVA) Maun and the Rotary Club which pledged to support the cause by donating some wheelchairs to be presented the members of the community.
Mr Kekgonegile was hopeful that the gesture would encourage many other institutions and individuals to make a difference in the lives of the needy members of the society. He also acknowledged the government efforts to ensure that all people were well taken care of including people with disabilities.
The gathering was reminded that as they commemorated the day, they must embrace the continuous efforts of the government toward building an inclusive society. The day was organised by Tshidilo Stimulation Centre in collaboration with Botswana Council for the Disabled (BCD) and supported by National AIDS & Health Promotion Agency (NAHPA).
Earlier, Kgosi Oleyo Ledimo thanked the wheelchair donors for demonstrating love and compassion saying their gesture would indeed make a huge difference in the lives of the beneficiaries. He said it was pleasing to see companies, individuals complementing the government efforts to ensure equal opportunities and accessibility for all.
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