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Momodou
Denmark
11800 Posts |
 Posted - 20 Jul 2006 : 11:56:07
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DISABLES EXPRESS CONCERN OVER MOBILITY AS ROAD CONDITIONS WORSEN
By Musa Barrow
One prerequisite of walking around town during the rainy season is that one has to be a smart jumper. This is necessary by the fact that most of our streets are often filled with stagnant water, which takes days before eventually drying up.
In addition to the health threats posed by these water logged streets, it also seriously hampers the movement of people and its impact on disabled people looks quite tremendous. Sadly, during the raining season some streets and roads are transformed into “no-go” areas for disabled people as a result of their aggravating conditions. In the face of this adverse condition which gravely restricts the mobility of most disabled people.
Equally, feelings of frustration and dismay were also expressed to this reporter who went out to find out the opinion of disables regarding this deplorable situation.
Speaking to Foroyaa one Bajula, a wheelchair user, voiced out his resolve to move around normally, but admitted that sometimes the conditions are quite unbearable. He said when it rains heavily he has to stay in-doors. Bajula says that although it seems humans can do little with the amount of rain that falls, it is within their powers to improve road conditions for all to use.
One Alhagie Fatty, a visually impaired person, said his daily schedules are always disrupted when it rains heavily. Fatty further stated that, the moment he sees clouds gathering in the sky, he feels rather uncomfortable because he knows that his daily businesses might come to a temporary halt. He attributed the appalling state of the roads and streets to what he called poor planning and negligence.
On his part, one disabled youth who uses crutch made a rather emotional plea to the public for cooperation during, these difficult times. He particularly called on drivers to be aware of the fact that disables are also in their midst.
After having listened to the concerns and constraints of disabled people, the question is “what should be done to enhance their mobility?”
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 55/2006, 20-23 July, 2006
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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