The national Parents' Society of Persons with Disability (NPSPD) would like to bring to the attention of the authorities, local councils and the public that whenever building developments extend into public footpath there are legal notices that require that an adequate safe passageway, usually an extended footpath, should be left for the public. At least, a one-metre full clear width should be left on footpaths and there should be flush, non-steep ramps to provide access from the footpath to the road where necessary.

Many developments, even large scale ones, are not adhering to the law and the public is obliged to get down from the pavement and walk in the middle of the road along with the vehicles, causing increased risk of injuries, especially to old people, children, persons using wheelchairs and the mobility impaired, and parents pushing buggies. Some examples are those in Triq Sta Katerina area in Attard, Triq Manwel Dimech in Sliema and Triq Xorxa in Mosta.

We believe it is high time something is done about this matter because, in many areas, these are not just temporary for a few weeks but some have been left in such a state for months and years. It is strange that the Occupational Health and Safety Authority monitors works in the developments but it seems no one is addressing safety in the public areas.

We also remain bewildered to learn that some government public

offices rendering services to the public are only accessible by steps. The new location of the Passport Office at Evans Building in Valletta has nine steps to reach its entrance and, hence, is not accessible to wheelchair users and others who cannot use steps.

This means disabled persons cannot be provided with public services in the same way as other people solely due to lack of physical accessibility. They are obliged to incur extra expenses and have to get a medical certificate to confirm their lack of mobility, their own photos, go through extra procedures and finish up having a less secure passport (without fingerprint records) than other mobile persons just because the offices are not accessible for all.

This is also a workplace less where disabled persons with mobility impairments can be employed. All this at a time when the law of equal opportunities (disabled persons) has been around more than 10 years. It would be good to know what National Council For Persons With Disability is doing in such cases.

As the NPSPD has stated many times, it is high time accessibility for all is given more importance. Each local council ought to audit all footpaths of their locality and render them accessible to wheelchair users. Practically, if three footpath ends are rendered with flush ramps per working day by two men, then hundreds of kerbs would become accessible for all, improving physical accessibility and bringing about great improvements. Can’t any immigrants be employeed to do such works with fair pay if Maltese workers are unavailable? Wouldn’t most localities be rendered fully accessible to all in two to three years if such action is taken in parallel by all local councils?

Everyone stands to gain from improved accessibility and this should be considered as an investment towards a better, safer environment.