AMMAN — HRH Prince Mired bin Raad, President of the Higher Council for Persons with Disabilities, met on Sunday with Minister of Public Works and Housing Maher Abu Samen to discuss measures to implement the National Plan designed to ensure that public buildings and facilities comply with accessibility standards and requirements for persons with disabilities.

 

Abu Samen reiterated during the meeting the ministry’s full commitment to implementing the National Plan, stressing that creation of an inclusive and safe urban environment is a priority for the government, in accordance with Royal directives, national legislation and relevant international conventions on the rights of persons with disabilities, according to a ministry statement.

 

“The ministry is working in coordination with all relevant institutions, chiefly the Higher Council for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to ensure the effective enforcement of accessibility standards in public buildings, particularly those providing direct services to citizens,” he said.

 

Abu Samen added that, as part of its annual implementation plan, the ministry is working to equip its directorates and offices across all governorates to be accessible to persons with disabilities, in line with approved technical codes and within the JD150,000 allocated for this purpose in its annual budget.

 

The minister also stressed that all buildings for which the ministry prepares studies and designs, whether through its own teams or in partnership with consulting firms, would be designed to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities.

 

“Existing buildings will be progressively upgraded under a comprehensive implementation plan, which outlines priorities, allocates the necessary funds, and ensures that all works are carried out according to approved specifications,” he said.

 

Abu Samen added that the ministry would work in cooperation with the Engineers Association and the Engineering Offices Commission, issuing the necessary circulars to ensure that all building projects and plans submitted for approval and licensing comply with accessibility codes for persons with disabilities, making adherence to these standards a condition for their approval.

 

HRH Prince Mired expressed his appreciation for the Ministry of Public Works’ efforts in supporting the rights of persons with disabilities, emphasising the need to advance the implementation of the National Plan according to clear timelines to ensure tangible results on the ground.

 

He stressed that access to public buildings for persons with disabilities is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution and national legislation, urging enhanced coordination among government entities and the adoption of universal design principles by design and implementation professionals to ensure a safe and inclusive built environment for all members of society.

 

At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides agreed to establish a joint technical committee comprising members from the ministry and the council, charged with monitoring the implementation of the National Plan, setting priorities for urgent interventions in buildings and facilities, and preparing periodic reports to evaluate progress and provide necessary recommendations.