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ST Forum - Nov 05, 2007
Clear HDB shopfronts for elderly, handicapped
THE decision to conduct checks and implement stricter control to ensure clear footpaths at HDB shopfronts is a long awaited welcome move.
However, the checks must be conducted regularly to ensure compliance. Sad to say, some shopkeepers have short memories and will return to their old ways. Some have raised platforms joined to their shop front to extend their display area. Others have their display taking up half the footpath. The situation is aggravated with customers standing around or if one is carrying a bag.
Fire and safety issues aside, we are talking about a gracious society that cares for the elderly and handicapped. Even as a able person, I find negotiating these cluttered footpaths difficult. So how do we expect the elderly and handicapped to make their way around the neighbourhood?
We see modification work done in HDB estates, such as slopes and railings to make the place more user- friendly to the elderly and handicapped. But if neighbourhood shops are inaccessible to this group of people, isn't it a mockery to have all these facilities when they can't get around beyond the immediately vicinity of their block of flats?
We have a handicapped-'friendly' bus service, but the truth is, it is a white elephant at this juncture. Where do we expect someone in a wheelchair to go when many of our shopping malls are not handicapped-friendly? We can have lots of slopes and ramps (as in HDB estates) but if the walkways inside the mall are cluttered, how do we expect them to have a pleasant shopping experience? Except for a few places like Ikea and VivoCity, one hardly ever see people in wheelchairs enjoying an outing with their family.
Let us start with our neighbourhood shopfronts. This environment should have clear footpaths to complement facilities for the elderly and handicapped around the housing blocks.
Tong Jee Cheng (Ms)
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