Unsafe pedestrian crossing for disabled

WHILE no exact figures exist, but it is estimated that nearly a tenth of the city's population are in one way or another physically or mentally challenged. With such a large proportion of the populace at a natural disadvantage, we find that crossing a road is of particular challenge for these people. This is so because on the one hand there is little regard by traffic management officials to provide ample zebra crossings on the roads; while on the other, urban planning simply does not take into account the mentally and physically challenged groups of people. This is being insensitive to those who require aid in getting across busy junctions.

With little by way of planning, existing footpaths are either too narrow or the absence of ramps make it impossible for people in wheel chairs for instance to gain access to walkways. The same could be said about foot over-bridges that only take into account the physically fit and not those who may require assistance in availing of this public utility. For those who suffer from sensory issues such as sight and sound, urban planners could incorporate sound-based traffic lights and physically escort the blind across zebra crossings. What it all boils down to is that we are talking about a sizeable portion of Dhaka residents who are left in the lurch. Measures, both physical and otherwise, need to be incorporated into demarcation of city roads and improvising other facilities to make crossing roads safe and comfortable.