The President was speaking here on Thursday at the inaugural ceremony of a three-storey national rehabilitation center constructed at a cost of 45 million Birr.

President Girma said the center would create a national capacity to expand services related to persons with disabilities.

PWDs have various talents and skills, the president said, adding, concerned bodies have the responsibility to enable them successful in their respective fields.

President Girma said the desired goal has not yet been achieved though efforts so far exerted to curb the complex problems of the PWDs. All sides should work together to curb the problems.

Also on the occasion, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Hassan Abdella said wide ranging activities should be carried out to curb the worsening problems of the PWDs.

The Minister said all sides are expected to work hard with a view to ensuring the rights of the disabled to take part in the social, political and economic activities.

Manager of the Federal Demobilized Forces' Rehabilitation Project, Assefa Ashengo on the occasion said the center would have a significant contribution in the efforts launched to strengthen the participation and equal benefits of the disabled persons.

Assefa said the fund for the construction of the center was secured in loan from the World Bank.

The center, which is the first of its kind in the country, would provide medical treatment and other services to PWDs. It would also provide a degree level training in physiotherapy and prosthetic fields.

R-8:30-9:00

E-11:33-11:39

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