During my morning walk one Friday, at Al Ittihad Square Park in the Rolla area of Sharjah, I noticed that there were no parking slots for people with physical challenges.
There should be at least a minimum number of spots for them in this area so that they or their parents can park vehicles close to the park. It would make it easier for them to access the park and enjoy the facilities. Currently, they would have to park far away and walk, especially on the weekends, as it gets very crowded.
The same parking slots can be used by parents of children who may have difficulty in crossing the road. I also suggest that the authorities consider installing facilities dedicated to this segment of society, such as a public phone for the parents of children with disabilities, for any special assistance, or a machine that gives them access to a map of the park or nearby places.
I have seen dedicated parking slots for those with physical challenges in many places, such as shopping malls, other parks and even parking areas around buildings. But, I feel sad as there are no such facilities here. I see very few people with disabilities in the park and it makes me wonder if it is due to the parking situation.
Al Ittihad Square Park is a beautiful park, and a great place to enjoy the weekend. I feel everyone has the right to enjoy and have access to the facilities open to the public. I sincerely hope that the authorities will take appropriate action regarding this issue.
— The reader is a pupil based in Sharjah.
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Editor’s note: The reader’s concerns were raised with the management of the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority. However, despite repeated reminders, they failed to respond.
