access to government buildings by people with disabilities
4 July 2007
All North West government buildings, including those leased from the private
sector, are to undergo a R4,9 million structural revamp over the next three
years to make them user friendly to disabled people, especially those on
wheelchairs. Work on 95 affected buildings would include the installation of
lifts where necessary, building of ramps and the installation of toilets for
use by disabled persons on wheel chairs.
The National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (103 of 1977),
prescribe among others that all buildings should be accessible to people with
disabilities specifically those using walking sticks and those on wheelchairs.
The affected buildings lacking the requirements for people with disabilities
were built before the Act was passed.
Assessments to scope work required was carried out on affected buildings
Central Region, Mafikeng (R1,2 million), Southern, Potchefstroom (R1,9
million), Bojanala, Rustenburg (R1,3 million) and Bophirima, Vryburg (R387
000). It is expected that most of the work would be done by teams within the
department while other projects could also form part of the Expanded Public
Works Programmes (EPWP).
In welcoming the move, Public Works MEC, Jerry Thibedi, cautioned that
people with disabilities should not be seen as objects of pity but rather, as
capable individuals who are and can contribute immensely to the development of
society. "They too have rights. That explains why in our new democracy we have
legislation that protects and promote the rights of people with disabilities.
Our Constitution, which is hailed as the most progressive in the world outlaws
discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, sex and disability," he
said.
In 2001, former Minister of Public Works Stella Sigcau also launched the
"Youth for Environmental Accessibility Programme" in 2001 aimed at making all
government buildings accessible to people with disabilities. The programme then
involved youths to build ramps in schools, police stations and hospitals.
Enquiries:
Matshube Mfoloe
Director Communication
Cell: 082 305 4594
Issued by: Department of Public Works, North West Provincial
Government
4 July 2007
Source: North West Provincial Government (http://www.nwpg.gov.za)
