Building barrier-free environments for the elderly is high on the government's policy agenda, said Premier Chang San-cheng at the Cabinet meeting held today.
After hearing the Ministry of the Interior's (MOI) report on promoting accessible environments for the graying population, Premier Chang asked the MOI to engage local governments as well since the MOI's efforts extend only to areas such as national parks. Local governments must do their parts in creating accessible public buildings, city streets and urban parks. The MOI should continue guiding local governments in the assessment and improvement of public facilities, he added.
The MOI said it amended architectural technology regulations in October 2012, requiring all new buildings or extensions of buildings to have barrier-free designs, effective January 1, 2013. The MOI's Construction and Planning Agency also issued separate guidelines on barrier-free environments for public buildings, park entrances and exits, and pedestrian walkways on city streets.
The MOI has so far completed several projects that have improved the accessibility of national park buildings and their surroundings. It also built barrier-free trails in Yangmingshan, Taijiang and Kenting national parks.