Disabled persons neglected in worst facility conditions in Lae

The facility housing people living with disability (PLWD) in Lae is in a seriously deteriorating state, needing immediate maintenance.

A local contractor Earth Fix Operations Manager David Andra said the current facility at Papuan Compound was not conducive for the occupants to live in.

Andra said the PLWDs are overcrowded with water and sanitation issues, making the facility not conducive.

He told NBC Online, that he plans to conduct a free feasibility study and appealed to relevant agencies and business organizations to finance the maintenance of the building.

“This is an effort aiming to work closely with PLWD and their three pillars with willingness to collaborate with various agencies to secure funding and additional resources addressing the urgent needs of this special community,” he said.

“I am appealing to those who care for people with special needs to come forward, let’s build a healthy conducive living space for our friends with special needs.” Andra said due to overcrowding, a toilet was converted to a room.

Morobe Disability Association president Benedict Hippom said the facility has been neglected for more than 15 years.

Hippom said a dialogue with heads of the Community Development Department will be setup to assist the disabled persons for better shelter to settle under.

Community Development Provincial Program Advisor Kiung Kimbing said the facility was built in the colonial times, initially for rehabilitation program only.

Kimbing urged the relatives [able persons] of the PLWDs, who have been residing for years, to vacate the building to allow redevelopment, subject to funding available.