Two residents with multiple disabilities in the Linyanti Constituency have received life-changing wheelchairs from their local councillor's office.

The wheelchairs were handed over to the beneficiaries by Linyanti Constituency Councillor Progress Sipapela, who says he identified the two during familiarisation visits across the constituency since taking office less than a year ago.

"It is our responsibility as citizens of this country not only to look at the government to take care of such people, but it is the responsibility of each and every citizen of Namibia. Whenever you meet a person who is physically unable to help himself or herself, it is your social responsibility that you should by all means try and assist wherever you are able to do so."

The beneficiaries are a 19-year-old young man and a 34-year-old woman, both of whom were born with conditions that have prevented them from being mobile. 

34-year-old Shomana Samaemo is a mother of three and has been moving around on her knees. 

She also has difficulty communicating and requires assistance with several aspects of her daily life.

"The child in the wheelchair is my daughter, so I'm the most grateful person for her receiving this wheelchair from our councillor," stated Samaemo's mother, Verona Matemwa.

One of the beneficiaries is 19-year-old Malambo Matomola, who cannot speak or walk. His mother, Wendy Malambo, explained that the family relies on her husband's temporary jobs. 

She noted that a major portion of the child's N$1,600 monthly disability grant goes toward diapers and toiletries, making the donated wheelchair a vital relief they otherwise could not afford.

While her son currently uses a wheelchair donated by Cheshire Home previously, Malambo says that the new one will not be able to accommodate his unique condition.

"He did a great deed for us, but unfortunately the wheelchair was purchased without him having seen the child's condition. We are grateful for the wheelchair nonetheless."

Apart from the wheelchairs, the beneficiaries also received bags of maize meal each.