Chief Executive CY Leung says the Government will seek $100 million in funding approval from the Legislative Council to build lifts to improve access for the elderly, the disabled, and children.
Speaking to the media after visiting an elderly centre in Sheung Wan today, Mr Leung said a dedicated funding source will be set up for the Government's universal accessibility programme on an annual basis.
He said the provision will be about $100 million in the coming year, rising to $1 billion annually in future.
Mr Leung said the programme features 230 items, including 10 on the installation of footbridge lifts. He added 160 are suggested topics, and the remaining 60 items have been raised by District Councils and the community. The list of items is available at the Highways Department
website.
According to the new policy, the Government would treat lifts and ramps equally when thinking about what types of barrier-free access facilities should be installed at walkways such as footbridges, elevated walkways and subways. This would be a change from the current practice in which priority would be given to ramps.
As long as site conditions permit, the Government will consider installing lifts at walkways where there is already a standard ramp installed. After a lift has been installed, the department will evaluate whether to keep the ramp or demolish it to make way for city improvements such as a more spacious pavement or roadside greening.
The programme investment is huge but it will be welcomed by the elderly, the disabled, and children, he said.
Given the short time, Mr Leung said the programme is being co-ordinated by the Chief Secretary, and involves the Transport & Housing Bureau, the Labour & Welfare Bureau, the Home Affairs Bureau, and related departments.
Secretary for Transport & Housing Prof Anthony Cheung said at the same function the Housing Authority will implement a rolling programme for future lift addition projects within public housing estates to support the Government's initiative. He has appealed to private developers, the Mass Transit Railway Corporation, and the Link, to work with the Government to enhance barrier-free access.
From now till the end of October, members of the public are welcome to make further suggestions by contacting the Government 1823 Call Centre by dialling 1823, using the Tell me@1823 mobile app, visiting this
website, or leaving a wall post on the 1823 Online Facebook
Page.
