Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Lauching a barrier free city - Malay Mail

Launching a barrier-free city
By Anu Venugopal December 24, 2008 Categories: News

Good news for the disabled community in Petaling Jaya: they will soon have 150 sheltered parking lots in designated areas around the city.

Petaling Jaya City Council yesterday officially launched its first sheltered car park, located outside the council’s office in Petaling Jaya.

"We hope to provide these specially designed car parks for the disabled within six months," said Petaling Jaya Mayor Mohamad Roslan Sakiman.

An additional 149 parking lots will be located near the post office, health office, multi-purpose hall, government offices and city centre to give the disabled more access to public facilities around Petaling Jaya in its efforts to become a barrier free city.

"I hope other councils around the country would follow suit and start providing car parks for the disabled," said Ronnie Liu, chairman of the Local Government, Research and Development Committee.

Funding for the project comes from the council’s own budget. The council plans to ensure all new developments accommodate parking lots for the disabled.

"I hope municipal councils will review new developments carefully and make sure the disabled are taken into consideration when building car parks, toilets and other facilities," added Liu.

The initiative was launch by Francis Siva, an advocate for the disabled, who drove his disabled-friendly car into the parking lot.

The council’s first disabled councillor, Anthony Thanasayan, believes the initiative is a good sign for the future, saying: "When completed, the new car parks will be helpful for the disabled, who want to live their lives as independently as possible."

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