Blind couples get to live normal life in Taman Cahaya

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Laimin Sagading (right) with wife and children at their house in Taman Cahaya. — Bernama photo

SANDAKAN: The establishment of a residential area for blind couples in Taman Cahaya has helped them to lead an independent and normal life.

Taman Cahaya supervisor Ibrahim Abdul Hamid said the residential area, the first of its kind in the country, is home to 11 families since four years ago.

“We are pleased to help the couples who began as trainees of Taman Cahaya,” he told Bernama, here yesterday.

The residential area comprises wooden buildings that used to be the Taman Cahaya training centre built in 1969.

The blind couples were allowed to move into the buildings after the training centre moved to Kompleks Penyayang in 2010.

Ibrahim said Taman Cahaya continues to help former trainess who have started families so that they do not burden other people.

“If there are former trainees who are sick or their wives want to give birth, it is our responsibility to send them to hospital and send them back home after everything is done.

“Nurses also visit their homes on a regular basis to ensure that their health is not neglected.”

Ibrahim said Taman Cahaya had applied to the state government to build affordable housing for the poor to replace the old buildings.

“I made the application last year and hope the state government can help to provide more comfortable homes for the blind.”

Meanwhile, two residents expressed appreciation on efforts undertaken by Taman Cahaya to provide them with a special residential area.

Laimin Sagading, 46, who has two daughters aged eight months and two years said life would be better with water and electricity supply.

Meanwhile, Yusuf Aparal,50, said the residential area allowed his family to stay in their own houses.

A Bernama check found that the residents rely on rain water stored in tanks for daily use and resort to candles and kerosene lamps at night. — Bernama