Disabled facing problems due to shortage of curb ramps.

ISLAMABAD, November 02, 2009 (Balochistan Times): The Capital Development Authority (CDA) often does not erect necessary curb ramps to ensure that people with disabilities can move throughout the city in a safe and convenient manner. Ishaq Khan a disabled boy told that without the required curb ramps, sidewalk travel in most of the areas is dangerous, difficult, and in some cases impossible for people who use wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility aids. He said that curb ramps allow people with mobility impairments to gain access to the sidewalks and to pass through centre in streets, otherwise, these individuals are forced to travel in streets and roads and are put in danger or are prevented from reaching their destination. An Engineer Inam Khan said that when streets and roads are newly built or altered, they must have ramps wherever there are curbs or other barriers to entry from a pedestrian walkway. Likewise, when new sideswamps or sloped areas wherever they intersect with streets or roads,he added. He said that while resurfacing a street or sidewalk is considered an alteration for these purposes, filling in potholes alone will not trigger the alterations requirements. At existing roads and sidewalks that have not been altered, however, civic body may choose to construct curb ramps at every point where a pedestrian walkway intersects a curb, but they are not necessarily required to do so. He said that curb ramps provide basic access at intersections and pedestrian crossings. Inam said that it also may be appropriate for CDA to establish an ongoing procedure for installing curb ramps upon request in both residential and non residential areas frequented by individuals with disabilities.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)