The Executive Director of the Board, Ms. Fatmata Claire Carlton-Hanciles said whenever she passes by the Cotton Tree she realizes that the wheelchairs used by the disabled persons are in a very bad shape. ‘I thought something should be done before the wheelchairs become unworkable and affect your source of livelihood,’ she said.
Ms. Carlton-Hanciles disclosed that the donation will continue until all the disabled persons have their wheelchairs replaced with new ones. ‘The Board will donate three more wheelchairs next week,’ she said. She thanked the Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brima Kargbo and Chairman of Pharmacy Board, Bassie Turay for granting a request for wheelchairs from the Board.
She lamented the abuses disabled wheelchairs are subjected to by thieves in the Central Business District of Freetown at night. She called on the authorities to take the necessary action to protect them.
The National Outreach and Community Affairs Officer, Ibrahim Kamara said the donation is meant to restore their respect and ensure they are able to move around freely as they go about making a living. ‘We are happy not to have received any complaint that you are breaking the law,’ he said.
The Human Resource Manager at the Board, Bankole Morgan said the Board does not only cater for their justice needs but also their welfare. He admonished them to be law abiding. Similar sentiments were expressed by the President of the Traders Council, Alhaji Mohamed Bureh Kamara.
The Chairlady of the disabled persons on the street, Kadiatu Sillah thanked the Ms. Carlton-Hanciles for opening her door to them and for believing in them.
