NCPWD to partner FCTA on ‘inclusive smart city’ project

James Lalu, executive secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has expressed the readiness of the organisation to partner the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on the inclusive smart city project.

He said this while receiving representatives of the FCTA, department of social welfare, in his office on August 15, 2023.

Lalu reaffirmed the need to use the FCT as a model city that will be more accommodating of PWDs through the adoption of minimum accessibility standards.

“It is critical to be conscious of developments around the world where smart cities are springing up almost by the hour, with consideration for social inclusivity in all facets,” he said.

He added that goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is clear on making safe, inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities for all, without discriminating against PWDs.

He also informed the public about the correspondence between the commission and the FCTA on the modalities for interventions based on the mandate of the commission.

“We have forwarded a letter to the federal capital territory administration on the commission’s commitment to making public toilets accessible for persons with disabilities as well as the renovations of blocks of classrooms at the Alheri leprosy colony, Yangoji in the Kwali area council and Karonmajiji disability community,” he said.

“As soon as there is a go-ahead signal from the authority, the commission will kick-start the project.”

In his response, Bala Musa Tsoho, principal of the vocational training school, Bwari, thanked the executive secretary for regularly providing for the welfare of PWDs in the country since he was appointed.