The Government of Japan provides a new bus specifically designed for wheelchair users worth US$91,998.00 to Western Disabled Peoples Association through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) Programme.

The Families and friends of Western Disabled People’s Association will celebrate the handing over ceremony of a new Toyota Coaster tailor-made bus suitable for wheel chairs users to move freely.

The Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Fiji, H.E. Mr. Yutaka Yoshizawa, will be at Lautoka on Friday, 2nd September, 2011 at 11.30 a.m. to officially hand-over the new bus to the representatives of the Western Disabled People’s Association.

The main objective of this funding is to enable the Western Disabled People’s Association to recommence free specialised transportation services for the physically disabled persons, their attendants, health workers carrying out surveys, disabled members visiting medical centres, attending meetings, workshops and other gathering organised by Association and other organisations on a 24 hours and 7 days basis. The new bus is equipped with specifically designed electric lift in the rear which enables wheelchair-bound people to be lifted smoothly and safely. This project will overcome the difficulties normally faced by family members and physically disabled people when it comes to public transport.