The Ministry of Gender and Social Development in Tonj State on Monday appealed to humanitarian organisations to extend support to about 300 registered vulnerable elderly persons and people with physical disabilities in the state.

The ministry’s director general Victor Makuoth Arop said the registration exercise that started last week in Tonj town is intended to identify homeless elderly persons and people with major disabilities and provide them with shelter and other social amenities.

“The first proposals we have made now is an appeal to the NGOs to support these old people, for instance, those who don’t have relatives, those who sleep in the streets, should be afforded a place to stay, a place to get food, water and an area to take care of them. Those who have homes and so vulnerable should be provided with food,” said Makuoth.

The official appealed to NGOs operating in the state and community well-wishers to support the initiative which will be extended to the state’s 22 counties.