Visually Impaired Advocate Appeals

As Liberia's rainy season intensifies; a visually impaired advocate in Bomi County is making an urgent appeal for assistance to complete a home he has spent more than a decade building through personal sacrifice and determination.

David Tommy, a prominent disability rights advocate and leader of the disability community in Bomi County, says his dreams of owning a safe and permanent home is now within reach but remains threatened by a lack of roofing materials needed to complete the structure.

Tommy is appealing to government officials, lawmakers, humanitarian organizations, community leaders, and compassionate citizens to help provide seven bundles of zinc and other essential construction materials required to finish the building.

The house, located in William Community outside Tubmanburg, has been under construction since 2014 and represents years of hard work, persistence, and financial sacrifice.

According to Tommy, nearly all the resources used to build the house have come from small-scale trading activities and modest allowances received from workshops and community engagements.

Despite living with visual impairment, he remained committed to the project, steadily investing every available resource toward creating a secure home for himself and his family.

Now, after twelve years of effort, the structure is nearing completion, but the absence of roofing materials has placed the project at risk.

Tommy fears that heavy rains could damage the unfinished building and undermine years of investment if assistance does not arrive soon.

“I have struggled for years to bring this project to where it is today. What remains now is the roofing. Without help, I may not be able to protect the building from the heavy rains,” he said.

His concern comes at a time when many parts of Liberia are experiencing persistent rainfall, increasing the vulnerability of unfinished structures.

Construction experts’ note that prolonged exposure to rain can weaken building materials, delay projects, and increase future construction costs.

For Tommy, the threat is particularly significant because replacing damaged materials would require financial resources he does not currently possess.

While roofing remains his most urgent need, he acknowledged that additional work, including plastering and interior finishing, will also be required before the home is fully completed.

However, he believes securing the roof is the most critical step toward protecting the structure and preserving the progress made so far.

The disability advocate specifically appealed to Bomi County's elected officials to intervene and help bring the project to completion.

Among those he called upon are Representative Manna Bishop Johnson, Representative Sam P. Jallah, Representative Obadiah Varney, and the county's two senators.

He expressed hope that local leaders would recognize the importance of supporting vulnerable citizens who are striving to improve their lives despite difficult circumstances.

Beyond the immediate housing challenge, Tommy's situation has renewed attention on the broader difficulties confronting persons living with disabilities throughout Liberia.

Advocates say many disabled Liberians continue to face barriers in accessing employment, housing, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.

Although awareness about disability inclusion has increased in recent years, many persons with disabilities still struggle to secure adequate support and social protection.

Community leaders in Bomi County say Tommy's story highlights both the resilience of persons living with disabilities and the need for stronger institutional support systems.

As head of the county's disability community, Tommy has spent years advocating for equal rights, inclusion, and improved opportunities for people living with disabilities.

Supporters describe him as a dedicated community leader who has consistently worked to amplify the voices of vulnerable populations.

They believe helping him complete his home would not only improve his personal living conditions but also send a strong message about society's commitment to inclusion and dignity.

Several disability advocates argue that housing remains one of the most overlooked challenges facing persons with disabilities across Liberia.

Without stable housing, they say, many individuals face increased vulnerability and reduced opportunities to participate fully in community life.

Tommy's appeal has therefore resonated beyond his personal circumstances, drawing attention to wider concerns about accessibility, social welfare, and economic empowerment.

With the rainy season expected to continue for several months, the urgency of his request has become even more pronounced. Every passing week increases the risk that rainwater could damage parts of the unfinished structure before protective roofing is installed.

For Tommy, completing the roof represents more than a construction milestone. It symbolizes years of perseverance, hope, and determination in the face of adversity.

Friends and supporters say his commitment to the project reflects a powerful example of resilience and self-reliance.

They are now calling on individuals, businesses, civil society organizations, and public officials to help bridge the final gap between aspiration and achievement.

As the appeal gains attention, many in Bomi County hope a collective response can help ensure that years of hard work are not lost to the elements.

For now, Tommy continues to wait and hope that assistance will arrive before the rains intensify further.

After twelve years of sacrifice and determination, his dream of a safe and permanent home remains remarkably close just seven bundles of zinc away from becoming a reality.