Thursday February 26, 2009
Much more to be done
WHEEL POWER By ANTHONY THANASAYAN CAPTAIN A.K.S. Russell, a retired master mariner from Seremban, wrote to this column recently to share his thoughts on the disabled-friendliness of the town in which he has lived since 1985.
Russell began his e-mail by asking: “Is Seremban town accessible to everyone?”
“The simple answer: it is definitely not,” he wrote, adding that the only accessible building is the Jaya Jusco Shopping Centre at Seremban Two.
“Jaya Jusco sets a good example in Seremban by being fully accessible to all patrons,” said Russell.
The building has an adequate number of car parks for the disabled. These are all well sited, with the right size and are constantly monitored to ensure that they are not misused by the non-disabled. There are lifts to all the floor levels. At least half of the lifts are disabled-friendly and all the floors are level without any steps.
“There are properly designed toilets for the disabled too,” Russell pointed out.
He observed that the security personnel appear to be well-trained and ready to assist any disabled or elderly person requiring assistance. But alas, not all of Seremban is that way, he said.
“Many disabled, elderly, pregnant women and families with children often have a difficult time when crossing roads and entering buildings.”
However, the good news is that the Seremban Railway Station is showing signs of becoming accessible to more people.
Lifts and ramps are being constructed to provide access to the platforms. But sad to say, some of the ramps are too steep for wheelchairs.
Although guide markings to help the blind are being constructed, Russell notes that normal tiles are being used and specifications do not follow the requirements for tactile flooring for the blind.
As for the disabled and elderly, they will soon be able to board and disembark from every train at Seremban Railway Station. However, they will be confronted with insurmountable difficulties the moment they arrive in town.
“Once out of the station, there are no proper footpaths for anyone, let alone the disabled,” Russell said.
“Although there is a pedestrian traffic light crossing from the roadside not far from the station to the General Post Office, access to the GPO is not possible to those using wheelchairs.”
Russell cautioned that crossing from the GPO to the nearby Seremban Parade is too hazardous.
There is no pedestrian crossing, making the Seremban Parade inaccessible to the disabled.
“There are few footpaths in Seremban. Flooding from Sungai Temiang is common with many shops building high flood barriers around their shop fronts. These give even the hale and hearty a tough time.”
Russell cited the lack of pedestrian crossings along Jalan Dato’ Bandar Tunggal, Jalan Yam Tuan and other roads in Seremban town, making it unsafe for most people.
“Money should not be an issue for the Seremban Town Council. All that is required is the will and the commitment to make Seremban a town which is accessible to everyone,” added Russell.
