By Adeola Ogunlade
THE Lagos State Government has concluded plans to mandate all public transport operators including Premiro and LBSL to adopt a special consideration for disability passengers by making provision of adequate seats in line with the Lagos State Special Peoples Law 2010.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde announced this at the 10th Anniversary of the Passage of the Lagos State Special People Law organized by Centre for Citizens with Disabilities funded by Ford Foundation held in Lagos. The event brought together People with Disability (PWDs), policy makers, civil society groups, lawyers which feature lecture, interactive session and the presentation of abridged versions of the Lagos State Special Peoples Law (Pidgin and Yoruba).
He said that for the transportation sector, Section 17 and 18 of the Lagos State Special Peoples Law 2010 gives special consideration to all persons with disabilities as it relates to the various responsibilities of the Ministry of Transportation.
He noted that the law stated that for every 10 seats, one should be reserved for person with disability and such persons should not be made to join the queues at bus terminal.
He stated that to drive public awareness and support for persons with disabilities, the ministry will continue to display short video on disability on all public buses (Premiro and LBSL buses) for free.
He said the Ministry will work with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to include slip-way and walk way corridor on all roads construction to enhance the movement of persons with disabilities in the state.
On his part, the Executive Director of Centre For Citizens With Disabilities, David Anyaele said that the programme was aimed at sharing experience on the level of implementation of the law. One remarkable outcome of the law is the establishment of the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs, LASODA, which coordinates and ensure broader implementation of the law. (NATION)
