The Wa West District Assembly has disbursed support items and cash to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) under the Disability Common Fund, in a ceremony described as a major step towards economic empowerment, inclusion and dignity for PWDs in the district.The event brought together the District Chief Executive, Assembly Members, Assembly staff, the Social Services Sub-Committee and leadership of the Federation of the Disabled.1.Opening the disbursement, the Wa West District Chief Executive, Richard Wullo said the programme is part of a sustained commitment by the Assembly to support PWDs and not a one-time gesture.“Today’s event is not a one-off event. It is part of the Assembly’s continuous commitment to support persons with disabilities in the district.”Mr. Richard explained that the items presented – including fridges, goats and cheques – were carefully selected based on the needs and business proposals of the beneficiaries, to help them start or expand income-generating ventures.He urged beneficiaries to use the support wisely and assured them of the Assembly’s continued support.“We want to see you grow your businesses, support your families and become self-reliant. The Assembly will continue to stand with you.”Assembly Member for Kuunchile Electoral Area and Chairman of the Social Services Sub-Committee, Eebu John thanked the DCE and Assembly staff for transparency in the disbursement of the Disability Fund.Mr. Eebu noted that this particular disbursement was different because of the variety and quality of items provided.“So we have done a number of disbursements but this one in particular is a different one. This one in particular is different because if you look at the items and the materials that are here, we have fridges, we have goats, we have cheques.”He charged beneficiaries to make good use of the resources, noting that many PWDs in the district are still waiting for support.”So I would like to say that the beneficiaries of this programme or this event today should make good use of the resources that will be given to them because we have a lot, a lot of disabilities within the district and those here represent just a few.”“I would like to thank those and wish them well and ask that whatever they will receive here they should make good use of it so that they will give opportunity to the rest that have not yet benefited to also benefit.”the speeches was Saavuruma Charles, Chairman of the Federation of the Disabled, Wa West.He then commended the Assembly leadership for proper management of the fund:”This Assembly, that is the Coordinating Director, the District Chief Executive and the entire Assembly, for making sure that this Disability Common Fund is always properly managed or properly used.”“I’ve been receiving calls from people that do call me to say that, oh we have been seeing you doing this and that, you have been sharing things here and there, but if that’s the case, and people even wish they would have been part of this district. They actually testify that in their districts they are not enjoying it like the way we are enjoying here. So it means our people are up to task.”He ended with a final charge to beneficiaries: “So in short, I said whosoever that is being given, be it a fridge, a goat or whatever, some cash, when you go home, kindly make good use of it, so that one day we’ll be proud of you and you will also be proud of us.”A beneficiary who also serves as a member of the Disability Committee, Adams Halidu spoke after receiving his support.He said the support will help him create something that will economically help himself and others around himHe said the Disability Common Fund has reduced street begging among PWDs because they now have something to do.“In fact, it’s a good move because if this thing was not to be there, imagine what would have happened. I hope you can all testify that now begging on the street at least has been reduced because disabled are now engaged, in a way they now have something to do. All the need of the Disability Common Fund.”Mr. Adams concluded by appealing for more government support beyond the Common Fund to better the lives of PWDs.“So this fund is very helpful and we believe that the government can still do more, not only the Common Fund but it can still do other things to better the lives of the disabled.”