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Disability Commission Files Judicial Protest Over ‘Pavement Hoarding’ By DB Group In Pembroke

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The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability has filed a judicial protest against DB Group after receiving numerous complaints about the issues relating to accessibility denied by the hoarding of the pavement outside the former ITS site in Pembroke.

“The judicial protest was filed over the hoarding concrete blocks placed around the former ITS site at St George’s Bay which is blocking access on the pavement to persons with reduced mobility,” a Commission spokesperson told Lovin Malta. “This is a manifest breach of the provisions of the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act, Chapter 413 of the Laws of Malta.”

The judicial protest was filed against both DB San Ġorġ Property Limited and the Pembroke Local Council – however, the council quickly responded to the commission’s protest.

The local council replied that it did not authorise the hoarding and that it agrees that it is creating an inconvenience to persons with disability,” the Commission spokesperson continued. “It also stated that the hoarding is currently useless, given that the Civil Courts ordered the revocation of building permits. Furthermore, it stated that prior to CRPD’s judicial protest, it had taken enforcement measures and advised the developer to remove the hoarding, thus removing the barriers to access.”
The Commission said that they had spoken to the DB Group as well: “Prior to the filing of the judicial protest, their architect had promised to clear the passage. After the filing of the protest, CRPD has not heard from DB Group.”
Independent politician Arnold Cassola had also reported “the arrogant way in which the DB Group have occupied pavements with their hoarding”. Cassola even went on to say that “the Local Council is to be lauded for the stand it has taken, which is in defence of all citizens”.

Now that the protest has been filed, the CRPD is hoping that the obstruction is removed without the need of resorting to court proceedings.

Even though legislation has been in place since 2000, certain people still haven’t metabolised the fact that obstructing pavements is not on, and that this constitutes a breach of rights of fellow citizens,” they ended.

What do you think of this case? Let us know in the comments below

READ NEXT: 11 Ways You Treat Adults With Disabilities Like Children Without Even Knowing It

Johnathan is an award-winning Maltese journalist interested in social justice, politics, minority issues, music and food. Follow him at @supreofficialmt on Instagram, and send him news, food and music stories at [email protected]

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