JIMMY AWAGL
An entry in the Crocodile Prize
PNG Chamber of Mines & Petroleum
Award for Essays & Journalism
PEOPLE with disabilities in Simbu have described as a “mockery” and say they were unfairly treated when Noah Kool’s Simbu government recently implemented its much talked about K500,000 allocation for the province’s disabled.
Disabled people were excitedly expecting December 2014 to be their best Christmas in many years when they were told Governor Kool would be providing the funds allocated for them in the 2014 provincial budget.
They gathered at the Dixon’s Field as early as 8 am to receive their long due money, flocking in from most parts of Simbu waiting until 4.30 pm when they were told the governor was out of the province.
They were then told to go to the provincial government building the next day.
On Monday at 8 am they congregated at the northern entrance to Kondom Agaundo Building.
As the clock ticked past noon, many people were getting irritated and became impatient because they could not afford to spend another night in Kundiawa.
The little money they had was exhausted. Some had borrowed money to come to town promising the lender to pay back with interest when they returned with their hand-out from the governor.
Eventually, at 3.30 pm, Noah Kool and provincial administrator Joe Kunda Naur came out to address the crowd.
After an opening speech by Mr Naur, the deputy governor spoke followed by Governor Kool.
“The very special people to be recognised are the disabled people,” said the Governor. “They need special attention since they cannot help themselves.
“According to the 800 disables, we have categorised them into three categories but some are still back at home.
“It is the task of the presidents and councillors to submit their names and ID photos for their grant support.”
At the end of the speech which was greeted with much applause, a few wheelchairs and walking sticks were given out.
Then the cash component was declared at K200 per head.
Many disabled people were very upset and described the payment as a mockery because the costs they incurred in travelling to Kundiawa were more than K200.
People said they had spent K30 on PMVs for themselves and their guardians to come to town and K20 for meals each day for the two days. Going back home would be another K30. K100 already.
One disabled man complained that he would be left with K120 which would go to repay the K100 he borrowed to come to town.
“So you see, I am left with nothing,” he said.
“My expectation of having a nice Christmas with my family is not going to happen. It’s going to be very bad Christmas for me and my family.
“This is a mockery. If the Governor is genuine he should give us K500 to K1,000 each. What can we buy with K200?
“The governor merely raised false hope for political point scoring, there is no real benefit in the whole scheme,” added another disabled man.