Special lanes for blind people could be established on Bahrain’s footpaths.
The proposal was approved unanimously by the Southern Municipal Council yesterday.
Its members are now asking the government to implement the idea nationwide.
It involves laying distinctive paving stones, known as “tactile lanes”, which visually impaired people can follow – since they can be distinguished from normal paving stones.
Councillors also want signposts in Braille to accompany the special paving stones.
The plan has been put forward by council member Abdulla Abdullatif, who suggested it could be piloted in a single location before being rolled out on a larger scale.
“We are not suggesting that it gets introduced all at once across Bahrain,” he said.
“We can test it gradually in selected areas, as we assess the cost of its integration and the possibilities.”
Mr Abdullatif said the aim was to help Bahrain’s visually impaired lead normal lives.
“We want the visually impaired to live their lives normally, without depending on others,” he said.
“But they should feel safe and not be in any danger.”
His earlier proposal for bicycle lanes at public locations has already been approved and implemented, along with special leisure facilities for people with physical disabilities at public parks and gardens.
Southern Municipal Council chairman Bader Al Tamimi said the blind footpath scheme could change lives for the better.
“This is the first project of its type in Bahrain,” he said.
“The visually impaired have every right to live their daily lives without any hassle.
“There are 9,000 people with disabilities in Bahrain and our proposals are being integrated gradually, but for physical disabilities.
“We want the visually impaired to be taken into account as well – not just at public parks and walkways, but also on pavements.
“Pavements and walkways are different in nature, so implementation won’t happen at once.
“Facilities will be assessed individually and it will come first to the Khalifa Bin Salman Park, in West Riffa, and Al Estiqlal Walkway, in Buhair.
“But clearly this proposal is applicable and can be done, as others presented by the councillor, within a short period – since they don’t involve extensive construction or digging work, just minor adjustments.”
The GDN reported earlier this month that plans were also underway to earmark land for a special recreational garden in the Northern Governorate for people with special needs.
That proposal has been approved by the Northern Municipal Council.
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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