PWDs Want Inclusion In Hostcomm Benefits In Bayelsa

The Bayelsa State Chapter of Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs) has demanded inclusion in benefits accruing to oil and gas host communities under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The group made the demand on Tuesday during a courtesy visit on the Obanobhan (Monarch) of the Emeyal Clan in Ogbia Local Government Area of the State, HRM King Wapaebiama Amakiri at his place.

In his remarks during the visit, Coordinator of the group, Mr. Philip Godfrey, alleged that PWDs were excluded from benefits accruing from the Host Community Development Trust Fund.

He noted that there had previously been no Act obligating their inclusion in the benefit structure of the Host Community Development Trust Fund.

Geofrey, who also applauded the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and the Ford Foundation for making the advocacy movement possible, said PWDs have been denied, discriminated against and disconnected for a very long time inspite of the existence of the extant PIA, which he noted has been operational since five years ago.

“Pollution did not discriminate against anyone, it affects PWDs more than able-bodied persons. PWDs have been excluded for too long and it was not supposed to be so.

“The PIA had created an opportunity for PWDs to make their voices heard. PWDs should benefit from oil exploration because some of us came from oil-producing communities and also suffer the effects of oil and gas caused pollution and environmental hazards.

“We are not being carried along. If we are feeling the pains, we should also get the benefits of oil exploration. Some of us also come from oil producing communities”, he said.

In his response, King Amakiri said the world had come to recognise that disability did not mean incapacitation, adding that PWDs were disabled but capable.

The monarch said the setback associated with disability should no longer be used as a disadvantage against PWDs, stressing that it was in the past that PWDs were regarded as being beggarly.

“PWDS have been contributing meaningfully to development across their continue to contribute even more meaningful to the development of society.

various communities, LGAs, States and even the nation. Given the right opportunity, PWDs would continue to contribute even more meaningful to the development of society.

“I’ve heard your demands, and it’s a right one. I assure you that I would discuss with fellow traditional rulers in charge of oil producing communities in this clan. I believe that upon informing and discussing with fellow monarchs, we’ll deliberate on the issue at their various meetings.

“It’s true that oil pollution and other oil and gas related hazards affect both able-bodied persons and PWDs”, the monarch said.

Source: THE TIDE