Staff Writer
Some cyclists with disabilities have cried foul after their representative, Wilson Nyakoko is alleged to be demanding some cash upfront for them to use donated wheelchairs.
The wheelchairs were donated by an International Charity Organization, Adaptive Cycling Charities which is based in USA.
Adaptive Cycling charities provide specialized bikes, funding, and inclusive programs to enable individuals with disabilities, veterans, and children with illnesses to experience the freedom of cycling. Key organizations include Kids Mobility Network, Adaptive Sports Connection, Adaptive Riders Collective (UK), Cyclists Fighting Cancer, and the Adaptive Cycling Foundation. They offer custom-fitted bikes, grants, and community-based riding sessions.
The intended beneficiaries who spoke to The Blast said six wheelchairs were sourced from Botswana by Adaptive Cycling Charities and were donated at Danhiko centre two weeks ago.
The intended beneficiaries said each wheelchair which was supposed to be handed to over, costs $US 6000 but according to them Nyakoko is demanding US$200 upfront for them to have full ownership.
“Six wheelchairs were sourced by Adaptive Cycling Charities in Botswana and were supposed to be given to each of us as beneficiaries.
“We were supposed to receive them at Danhiko two weeks ago, during a sports event, but we are being surprised to note that Nyakoko is demanding that we pay $US200 each for us to have full ownership of the freely donated wheelchairs.”
Nyakoko is also alleged to have demanded $US200 as a hire to use for a set of hand cycling wheelchairs which were donated by some international charity organizations last year.
“What is also a cause for concern is that Nyakoko is also demanding that he be paid $US200 for the hiring of hand cycling wheelchairs that were donated last year.’
Nyakoko told The Blast that the monies that are to be paid by beneficiaries are administrative fees meant to cover the use of internet and other auxiliary costs incurred during efforts made in sourcing the donations.
“I am really shocked and surprised to note that there are some people who are now raising this issue now.The monies we are demanding are to go towards administrative fees to cater for internet and other costs incurred when we were engaging donors,”he said.