Kathmandu, September 20:

Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Graeme Lade, today stressed on the need to increase funds and special training for the physically disabled people so that they could become self-sufficient and live a dignified life.

Speaking at a press conference, the Australian ambassador said: “Despite the government’s best efforts, there is not enough financial resources in Nepal to provide the people with disabilities with the level of support they need to become productive members of the community.”

“The disabled people should be encouraged by providing enough opportunities to demonstrate their abilities,” the Australian ambassador said, adding that the Australian embassy was pleased to support a campaign to make wheelchairs.

Bishnu Adhikari, coordinator of the campaign to make wheelchairs, said his team, with a small direct aid programme grant of 8,000 Australian dollars, produced 27 junior and senior wheelchairs from local resources.

“The imported wheelchairs are often unrepairable because of lack of spare parts and are expensive too. But the locally made wheelchairs are portable, sturdy, durable and are affordable as they are made from local resources,” Adhikari further said.

Monika Kube, volunteer representative from Germany, said: “Due to the lack of wheelchairs, the physically disabled people have lost their confidence and are deprived of education and employment.”

“If only the disabled people get repairable wheelchairs that fit to their requirement and complement the geographical features, they will have more mobility and access to education, public affairs and employment,” Kube further said.

Kube said that the locally made wheelchairs would make the people self-sufficient as they would be affordable and repairable.