Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa, the Deputy Commissioner of the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), recently engaged a group of persons with disabilities to provide them with an update on the conclusion of the Social Safety Nets (SSN) Project, which concluded in June 2023.

Recalling the significant impact of the SSN Project, which provided direct cash transfers to over 98,000 households nationwide, including persons with disabilities who benefited from both the regular SSN and the Covid-19 Emergency Cash Transfers, Sir Jimmy emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and communication with beneficiaries even after the project's completion.

Despite the ongoing engagement with beneficiaries during the project's duration, persons with disabilities were anticipating another tranche payment. In response to these expectations, Sir Jimmy paid a courtesy call to provide detailed information on the status of the SSN Project and to introduce the ongoing Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) project.

Addressing the concerns raised by the representatives of persons with disabilities, Sir Jimmy clarified that the SSN Project has concluded, and the recent tranche was the final intervention. He assured them that going forward, the government remains committed to addressing the welfare of persons with disabilities through the PSSNYE project, which will intentionally target this vulnerable group.

Sir Jimmy reaffirmed the government's dedication to inclusivity and pledged to collaborate closely with organizations such as the Sierra Leone Union on Disabilities Issues and the National Commission for Persons with Disability to ensure that the needs and aspirations of persons with disabilities are fully integrated into the national development framework.

On behalf of His Excellency, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Sir Jimmy assured the group that persons with disabilities are recognized as a critical part of Sierra Leone's development agenda, and all efforts will be made to implement the aspirations outlined in the new development plan.

In response to Sir Jimmy's update, stakeholders representing persons with disabilities expressed their gratitude for the information provided and thanked the President and his government for their inclusive development agenda.

Sir Jimmy's engagement with persons with disabilities highlights the government's commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in its efforts to address the welfare and aspirations of all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, within the national development agenda.