Compiled and reported by: Wong Wei-Jhih
To create a livable city, the construction of accessible facilities is definitely an important indicator. A few days ago, Magistrate Chen Fu-Hai pointed out in a meeting that his policy priority has always been clear in nearly 30 years of his political career, i.e. how to create a more accessible environment for the disadvantaged and make the airport, the harbor, and key tourist attractions friendlier to the disabled, as creating an accessible environment is fundamental in terms of taking care of the vulnerable.
Chen Fu-Hai said that it is a declaration and an ultimate goal that he has been working hard to achieve since he was in politics. Everyone can perceive the needs of the disadvantaged with the magistrate to create a better accessible environment. Each head of the department must come up with some ideas and budget, and act immediately for the short-term goals. Budgets and ideals are needed for medium-term and long-term goals respectively, so that public works can be integrated with aesthetics and necessary accessible facilities systematically.
The Economic Affairs Department indicated that the needs to build accessible facilities and the types and standards of accessible facilities are clearly stipulated in the Building Act, the Building Technical Regulations, and the Design Specifications of Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities to provide easy access and use of buildings for the disabled and to improve the accessible facilities in public works.
To improve the accessible facilities in public buildings for the disabled to enjoy an accessible environment, Kinmen County Government especially commissioned Fukien Kinmen Matsu Architects Association to conduct a survey of the accessibility of existing buildings and establish the evaluation system and regulations for the accessibility of new buildings in 2017; in addition, Kinmen County Government established the regulations governing the subsidy for the improvement in the accessible facilities of existing buildings and organized the surveyor training in the hope of increasing the public willingness to include related facilities in the construction or renovation through various incentives.
To provide assistance with accessible housing, Kinmen County Government also suggested that architects adopt universal design as much as possible to create friendlier accessible housing during the review of building licenses. Upon investigation, some sidewalks do not comply with current accessibility regulations due to narrow roads, terrain restrictions, poor design, incomplete construction, bulges caused by tree roots, or regularly damaged pavements. The Public Works Department and related departments have established sidewalks and improved accessibility on a case-by-case basis or according to the annual construction plan.