Yendi (N/R), Jan. 22, GNA - Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the eastern corridor of the Northern Region have raised concerns that the 02 per cent of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) meant for PWDs have often been diverted either to individuals or to other projects. They said anytime they confronted the authorities to demand their share of the Common Fund, it had often fallen on death ears and are therefore worried and want the authorities especially the District Assemblies to give them their due since it was their right. The PWDs raised these concerns in Yendi on Thursday at a day's workshop organized by Songtaba and supported by ActionAid, both non-governmental organisations.

Madam Hellen Dondo, Secretary for Saboba Cross Disability, requested that the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) should consciously use favourable employment quota for PWDs to enable them develop their potential since they are not included in the NYEP. He said the Assemblies, especially the Yendi, Chereponi, Saboba, Nanumba North and South districts should in collaboration with PWDs initiate projects and ensure that all uncompleted projects meant for them are completed. She said there is no resource center in any of the districts mentioned though funds were allocated for that purpose. Madam Dondo also said the districts should support the budgetary allocation of the Department of Social Welfare to enable the unit to conduct inventory of the number of PWDs in each district to enable them adequately plan and budget for the development of PWDs. The Yendi Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Walvis Hudu, said the Assembly would take steps to address the concenrns of PWDs. 22 Jan 10