BARRIER-FREE TRANSPORT POLICY FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED

BARRIER-FREE TRANSPORT POLICY FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED

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Mr Laurence Wee Yoke Thong asked the Minister for National Development in light of the barrier-free policy for the elderly and people with disabilities, what action has his Ministry taken over the recent years to encourage the implementation of accessibility features in target areas, including walkways and older buildings, whether public or otherwise.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: MND agencies have implemented various barrier-free accessibility features in key areas to meet the needs of our ageing population and to allow for an inclusive society.

Since 1990, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has required all new buildings and existing buildings undergoing major additions and alterations to comply with the Code on barrier-free accessibility in buildings. This Code specifies the minimum standards on barrier-free provision in buildings. It was expanded in 2007 to cover accessibility requirements outside buildings, including public walkways and parks, and to improve the interconnectivity between buildings and amenities such as MRT stations, bus-stops and taxi-stands.

BCA also promotes and facilitates the upgrading of public sector buildings for barrier-free accessibility. While the responsibility of implementing barrier-free features remains with the respective Government agencies that own or manage the facilities, BCA co-chairs an inter-agency co-ordination committee with HDB to resolve inter-connectivity issues that cut across agencies.

To date, 98% of public sector infrastructure which are highly frequented by the general public, such as hospitals, polyclinics, markets and hawker centres, have achieved at least the basic level of barrier-free accessibility. These include ramps to the entrance of the facility, accessible toilets[4] on the ground floor, and wheelchair accessible lifts. BCA will continue to work with building owners and other government agencies to improve the accessibility of our built environment.

HDB has also been proactive in promoting a barrier-free environment in HDB estates, through various programmes such as the HDB Barrier-Free Accessibility Programme, Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, Lift Upgrading Programme and Home Improvement Programme. Under these programmes, the outdoor and indoor living environments have been incorporated with user-friendly and accessibility features. Examples include barrier-free walkways that connect each block to nearby amenities, and grab bars installed at bathrooms and common corridors. These features enable residents of all age groups and abilities to move around independently.

Private sector building owners can tap on BCA's $40 million Accessibility Fund launched in 2007 to upgrade their buildings. A total of 60 building projects have

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successfully applied for this fund to be upgraded with accessibility features. This fund supports BCA's plan to make key areas in Singapore such as Orchard Road and Shenton Way achieve barrier-free accessibility by 2011.

[4] An accessible toilet is one which a wheelchair user can access.

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