July 20: VARIOUS barrier-free accessibility features have been implemented by the Ministry of National Development to meet the needs of the elderly and disabled people in Singapore.

Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is offering private sector building owners can tap on BCA's $40 million Accessibility Fund launched in 2007 to upgrade their buildings.

Under this scheme, key areas in Singapore such as Orchard Road and Shenton Way will achieve barrier-free accessibility by 2011.

A total of 60 building projects have successfully applied for this fund to be upgraded with accessibility features.

In addition, public sector buildings have been upgraded for barrier-free accessibility.

To date, 98% of public sector infrastructure which are highly frequented by the general public, such as hospitals, polyclinics, markets and hawker centres, has achieved the basic level of barrier-free accessibility.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has also been proactive in promoting a barrier-free environment in HDB estates.


Source: http://news.asiaone.coml