By Patricia Keamo – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The Cheshire Disability Centre in Port Moresby is appealing for help to support their services, one of the main issues faced by the Centre is security. Cheshire provides services to more than 400 people with disabilities with little to no support from the Government.
According to General Manager, Benard Aiyeko, there is a lot that needs to be done but Cheshire alone cannot do it.
The fence around the Cheshire Disability Centre is surrounded by two huge drains and when it rains, the drains become flooded, eroding the ground beneath the fence creating a sink-hole. The fencing is very low, posing a security threat to the residents and staff of Cheshire.
Cheshire’s General Manager, Benard Aiyeko, says they had to hire a security firm due to threats posed by both drains. However, there has been continued intrusion in the centre with the fence not being mended for some time.
Flood waters also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and with vulnerable people with disabilities living there, not only does it pose a security risk but is also a health hazard.
According to Mr. Aiyeko, the drainage issue was reported to the National Capital District Commission (NCDC), but to date, nothing has been done. Added onto these concerns raised, pathways are worn out by flooding from the drain making it difficult for wheelchair patients.
Most buildings in the centre are also in a rundown state with the last renovations done in 2016. Currently there are sixteen full time residents at the centre. The only support they get from the government is through the education department that pays for the salary of the teachers at the resource centre.
Apart from the resource centre, Cheshire provides service to day-care centres in communities and home-based services.
They are now calling on the government and willing corporate members to step in and assist.
