No barriers for disabled
Belarus is becoming increasingly comfortable for all categories of citizens – as reported by the Architecture and Construction Ministry
Mandatory requirements for creating a barrier-free environment for physically disabled people are in the force in the country. Aleksei Ananich, the Deputy Architecture and Construction Minister, has commented, “When building new facilities, we strive to ensure that they meet not only the requirements of accessibility, but also safety – for all categories of citizens. This year, new construction regulations have come into force to ensure a barrier-free environment in designing buildings for various purposes and publicly accessible open areas. As for reconstruction and modernisation of the existing facilities, all possible measures are taken to eliminate any barriers.”
The official said that – when it comes to a comprehensive approach to creating a barrier-free environment – there is no limit to perfection. “We are constantly working on this. Recently, construction standards for residential and public buildings have come into force: from now on, it is necessary to provide an entrance from the ground zero mark. Accordingly, wheelchair persons, the elderly and other people with limited mobility will have a convenient entrance,” added Mr. Ananich.
By the way, a study has shown that many existing facilities were built with this aspect in mind even before the interdiction of these new standards. Definitely, our society has got mature enough to demonstrate a more conscious approach to the problem.
