.... Some cannot accommodate a ramp

“IN ORDER to do this, we provided minimum specifications to be followed by contractors employed by the schools to build the ramps. Due to space constraints at some schools, the ratio used was one in 10, while in others, 2:2 the maximum specification of one in 12 was used. This means that for every foot of rise, you need 10 or 12 feet of ramp. This would either allow for a ramp to be built, allowing persons to wheel themselves up or down, or one that would require wheelchair-bound persons to be assisted.”

The statement continued, “The reality is that there are persons who have been deprived of access, but some schools simply cannot accommodate a ramp that would allow total independence for a wheelchair user. In spite of this, we are committed to ensuring that wheelchair users have some level of access and do not have to suffer the indignity of being lifted up flights of stairs to gain access to our schools.”

As part of its quality-control mechanism, the technical team of NET, along with the regional building officers of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information will be carrying out verification checks. Where remedial works are required, it will ensure that these are carried out in a timely and efficient manner.

The project continues with the installation of rails, where required, and the building of the remaining ramps in the 112 schools.