By Prince J Musa in Kenema
The National Commission for Social Action has distributed up to Le325 million to people living with disability in the Eastern region. A total of 1,300 people in the region benefitted from the cash transfer which came just days ahead of the just concluded nationwide lockdown, although some got their cash during the luck down.
Some 500 people in Kenema benefitted from it, 300 in Kailahun and 500 in Kono. Each person received a sum of Le250, 000.
The distribution of the money was part of the government’s social safety net program which is geared towards cushioning the harsh economic situation in the country, especially in light of the Covid-19 restrictions.
Aminata Sheriff, regional coordinator of NACSA, said the initiative was meant to ensure that the disabled get food with them during the lockdown period.
"This cash transfers is under the social net cash transfers to persons with Disabilities," she said.
The beneficiaries include the blind, those with speech and hearing impairment, amputees as well as polio victims.
Some of the money was also paid to orphaned children in Kenema.
A similar cash transfer was done by the Commission during the first nationwide lockdown in April. During that time, there were concerns raised by some groups who were left out. They complained about the lack of transparency in the process.
Sheriff said they partnered with local councils, the Social Welfare ministry, the Anti-Corruption Commission and civil society to make sure the process was as transparent as possible this time round.
Civil society activist, Albert Fallah Bockarie, vouched for the transparency of the process, saying: "We were monitoring the process and it was transparent."
Bendu Gbao, an operator of an orphanage whose occupants were among beneficiaries of the cash transfer, explained what the gesture meant to them.
"The center orphans have been facing challenges since no organization had come to our aid, but we appreciate NACSA for this gesture," she said, noting that the amount would provide each child additional food for them even after the lockdown.
NACSA said up to 8000 people across the country benefitted from this latest tranche of payment under the programme.
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