‘Inclusion in governance, ramps in public buildings’ — Enugu passes disability bill

The Enugu house of assembly has passed a bill to establish the Persons with Disabilities Agency to cater for people living with disabilities (PLWDs) in the state.

NAN reports that the bill was passed on Tuesday after the presentation of a report by Onyinye Ugwu, chairman, house committees on gender affairs, education, health and judiciary.

Ugwu said the disability agency will provide for the educational, healthcare, social and economic needs of PLWDs when it is operational.

She said the law would make provision for the inclusion of PLWDs in governance and prevent different kinds of discrimination and maltreatment against them.

The lawmaker said the legislation would make it possible for PLWDs to live normally.

She said the unavailability of such legislation is responsible for their exclusion from governance.

The lawmaker said the implementation of the construction of ramps in public buildings in the state will become effective in 10 years, noting that the five years recommended is not practicable.

She said other sections of the bill would be put into practice once Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, governor of the state, signs it into law.

Edward Ubosi, speaker of the house, appreciated his colleagues for their input throughout the stages of the bill.

The speaker said he had been under pressure from the PLWDs due to the delay in the passage of the bill.

He added that the bill would improve their quality of life.