The Government of Japan has extended grant assistance to the Maldives Association of Persons with Disabilities (MAPD) to purchase special vehicles to be used by persons with disabilities.
The grant agreement was signed between MAPD and the Embassy of Japan in the Maldives during a ceremony held on March 18. MAPD said under the agreement, Japan will extend a grant to purchase 3 special vehicles to assist the transport of individuals with physical disabilities to school or work. MAPD said the vehicles will have a custom design as specified by the association, adding it will take about 6 months to bring the vehicles to the Maldives.
MAPD further revealed registration for transport in these vehicles will be opened very soon. The association said a basic fee will be charged for using the vehicles, which would be lower than general transport fees.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof said the government allocates a special priority to empower persons with disabilities. Noting the government recognises the potential and the importance of individuals with disabilities, the minister said the government is undertaking several efforts to increase the contribution of disabled persons in the society.
Meanwhile, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives Keiko Yanai said it is a pleasure and honour for Japan to assist the community empowerment efforts of the Maldives. She added Japan will continue extending assistance to different programmes and projects undertaken to assist vulnerable groups of the society.