July 24 - Government to Add External Lift to Parliament for Disabled Access
In an effort to make Parliament accessible for the entire community, the Government put forward a proposal to the DPC this morning for an external lift to be built on the rear of the building, allowing for disabled members of the community access to the public gallery.
Although members of the commission raised concern with the aesthetics of the building, claiming the lift would disrupt the symmetry of the building, Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Garcia insisted that this was an issue of rights, and disabled members of the public should have access to the public gallery.
Heritage Trust spokesperson, Claire Montado suggested the installation of a chairlift instead of the glass structure, as a short-term solution to the problem. DPC member for the Heritage and Culture Agency noted a chairlift would obstruct one the building’s evacuation routes.
It was also noted that the structure, which will be built on the back left hand corner of the Parliament building, will be easy to dismount in the future, if necessary.
