Maridi Commissioner pledges land for the disabled amid calls for equal job opportunities

By Emmanuel Mandella

The Commissioner of Maridi County, Daniel Abui, has pledged to allocate land and establish an office for persons with disabilities in the county, as visually impaired residents called for equal access to employment opportunities and stronger inclusion in community development.

The commitment was made during a meeting between the county leadership and a group of visually impaired people in Maridi town. The delegation, led by Emmanuel Loda Edward, presented their concerns about the challenges facing persons with visual impairment and appealed for greater government support.

During the discussion, the group highlighted the difficulties they face in accessing employment and participating fully in economic activities, stating persons with disabilities are often overlooked when job opportunities arise.

Responding to the concerns, Commissioner Abui acknowledged the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and assured the group that the county government is committed to supporting their initiatives.

He announced plans to allocate land where members of the disability community can conduct business activities to improve their livelihoods.

The commissioner also pledged to facilitate the establishment of an office for persons with disabilities in Maridi so that they can better organize themselves and coordinate their activities.

“Our brothers and sisters with disabilities are part of our community, and they deserve support and opportunities like any other citizen,” Abui said. “As a county government, we are ready to provide land for business activities and support the establishment of an office so that persons with disabilities can organize themselves and improve their lives.”

According to the commissioner, empowering persons with disabilities through economic opportunities will not only help them become self-reliant but also contribute to the development of the wider community.

During the meeting, members of the visually impaired community raised concerns about discrimination and a lack of recognition in employment opportunities.

One of the representatives said many qualified persons with disabilities struggle to find jobs because employers often overlook them due to their physical conditions.

“People with disabilities are not recognized when it comes to employment opportunities,” one member said. “We are capable of working and contributing to the development of our communities, but we need to be given the opportunity.”

The group called on government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and private companies to consider persons with disabilities during recruitment processes.

They emphasized that access to employment would help them support themselves and reduce dependency on humanitarian assistance.

The meeting also highlighted the need for broader programs aimed at empowering persons with disabilities in Western Equatoria State.

Community leaders urged the government and development partners to support initiatives that enable persons with disabilities to participate actively in economic, social, and community life.

They stressed that disability should not be viewed as an inability but rather as a condition that requires equal opportunities and support.

According to the group, many visually impaired people across the state are eager to contribute to society if given the necessary tools and platforms.

Commissioner Abui welcomed the engagement with the disability community and encouraged continued dialogue between the county government and persons with disabilities.

He said the government remains committed to promoting inclusion and ensuring that vulnerable groups are not left behind in development efforts.

“We must work together to make sure everyone in our society is included,” the commissioner said. “When persons with disabilities are empowered, they can contribute greatly to the growth and development of our communities.”

The meeting ended with a call for stronger collaboration between government authorities, civil society organizations, and development partners to promote the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities in Maridi County and beyond.