The visually impaired people in South Sudan’s Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal State have complained that Covid-19 preventive measures have negatively impacted them because well-wishers no longer give alms and support.
They say they used to get support from congregants who frequented churches, mosques, and other worship places which have since been shut down due to coronavirus.
The blind beggars said merchants who used to give them money and or food have dwindled due to the unfavorable business environment occasioned by the Covid-19 preventive measures.
“This coronavirus has destroyed many things because people in mosques and churches used to contribute something little but nowadays are all suspended and this is affecting all vulnerable people negatively. If the mosques and churches are operating, they will provide something small for the blind person,’’ Lual Lual, a blind old-man in Aweil town said.
He said the government does not provide any support for the destitute blind people and wishes the peace agreement is properly implemented so that their issues are addressed.
Angelina Anger Malek, a blind beggar, and mother of two infants said the business community no longer offers small gifts and assistance.
“I have been bringing up my children in this town for a very long time. I have two children, they were four, but two died. Our lives depend on begging in the markets but these days we are not supported at all. When you meet South Sudanese, Sudanese, and Ugandan business people, they tell us God will provide for you,” a dejected Angelina said.
Marline Deng, a blind man, told Radio Tamazuj that he is facing difficulties because he no longer gets anything from begging.
“This Coronavirus! God knows! Things changed and there is no income. People used to gather in the markets and towns but now it is prohibited because people fear the disease called coronavirus. We are staying without anything,’’ Deng said.
Ngor Lual, another blind beggar, said merchants no longer support them and chase them away. “The situation is deplorable. We are roaming and if your brother gives something little, you will eat, if not you starve. We never got any support except a trader who fears God can give you something. They (traders) tell you that Coronavirus has ruined many things,’’ Ngor said.
Women Empowerment Center South Sudan (WECSS), a civil society organization operating in the state is appealing for urgent assistance to rescue the vulnerable people.
Marko Deng, the WECSS project officer said the Covid-19 preventive measures blocked humanitarian agencies from delivering assistance to needy persons.
“They are in a critical situation because they are not accessible by officials of UN agencies. They are now in dire need of humanitarian support particularly from the government and UN agencies or international organizations who are working in Aweil town. They need to support these people,’’ Makor said.
On her part, Mary Arkangelo Bak, the director-general for the ministry of social development, said her office is working hard to ensure that the blind persons are sustained. She stated that the ministry has presented a proposal to the leadership of the transitional unity government for approval.
“Yes, blind people need support in feeding. They even come to us. They need their center. That is why I said before that we are going to join hands together. I have presented this and even the government knows the needy people. As we are now starting from the beginning, the minister has come and we are going to start allocating a budget and the partners will be ready to support them,” Bak said.