From Rhoda Godwin Yenagoa
Stakeholders ranging from CSOs, state and non-state actors, PWDs, Media amongst others, gathered at the Project Trust Town Hall in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State recently, to discuss pressing community issues, including public accountability and the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The event, organized by Connected Development (CODE), emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration among civil society organizations, state actors, and media to foster good governance.
Key outcomes included a call for increased public awareness regarding citizen rights and the importance of the Disability Act (2018).
Participants advocated for accessible public structures and the implementation of a 5% employment quota for PWDs in government roles. The need for a Water Resources Act was highlighted to address the critical issue of potable water supply in Bayelsa state.
Speaking during the event, CODE State Support Officer, Mrs Tare Maureen Amananagha explained that Project Trust also monitors and tracks community development projects inorder to ensure compliance for the benefit of the people.
“The project is to build trust among citizens and community persons, we need to see that there’s inclusivity in all aspects of governance such that people can trust the government and hold them accountable for what they said they will do for the people”
However, Mrs Amananagha pointed out that the people in the communities also have a role to play by ensuring that projects are protected and maintained.
“What we are agitating is that communities should also take charge of projects. Ownership process should be a key thing for everyone living in the community such that these projects can last long for the benefit of the people”
Lectures by experts, including BANGOF Chairman Mr. Taritein Boco, underscored the significance of understanding disability rights.
Boco who doubles as the Chairman, Bayelsa Non Governmental Organizations Forum, BANGOF, delivered a lecture on”Understanding Disability and its Importance to Project Trust” noted that persons living with disabilities should be given facilities such as elevators, wheel chairs and other facilities to help them have accessibility to facilities in the state
On her part, Founder DO Foundation, Barrister Dise Ogbise-Harry urged people at the community to be involved in projects by showing concern, giving support and reporting any form of irregularities for the sustainability of the projects in their domain..
Chairman, Joint Association of People Living with Disabilities, Hon Ekpomokumu Mayor who spoke on their challenges emphasized on the need for the bill on the Discrimination of Persons Living With disabilities to have accelerated passage and be domesticated in the state.
Chairperson, Albinism Association, Bayelsa State, Mrs Joy Ogbogene said if the bill is domesticated it would help them get access to funds to assist their members who are currently battling with skin cancers.
Stakeholders adopted an 18 point communique which also includes a clarion call on the rejuvenation of the water sector to provide public water supply in the state.
Highpoint of the event was the adoption of the digital tool, NomTrac for monitoring developmental projects to promote transparency and accountability.
The adoption of the digital tool NomTrac was also celebrated as a means to monitor community projects effectively.
