GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — There is nothing out of the ordinary, at first glance, about the stone steps leading up to the main entrances of many of Graaff-Reinet's attractions, businesses, and eateries.
Nor at second glance, in fact.
The steps are viewed in a different perspective, however, when one needs to scale them in a wheelchair.
Concern was expressed recently by a disabled visitor to this historic town, that Graaff-Reinet doesn't seem to be very wheelchair-friendly.
"We were in Graaff-Reinet for a short stay and wanted to visit some of the attractions. Much to our dismay, we couldn't access most of the town's museums, eateries or shops for that matter," said the visitor.
"My husband, who is himself an elderly gentleman, assists me with my wheelchair while walking about, but it was near impossible for him to get me and my wheelchair up the steps of most of the entrances in Graaff-Reinet."
"It would be a great boon to this town if changes can be brought about so that all its lovely attractions are accessible to all visitors - whether able-bodied or disabled," concluded the visitor.
Traipsing through the streets of Graaff-Reinet, several ramps can be seen here and there, however, it is evident that most buildings aren't wheelchair-friendly.
This is no surprise as the older buildings of architectural interest are very tricky to adapt, but surely a plan must be made to allow locals and visitors alike ease of access to all buildings?
In response to this, Ailsa Grobler, Graaff-Reinet Tourism's chairman, said, “We note your comments and understand your frustration. As a historic town, visited by many, it would be ideal to have ramp access into all municipal, local businesses, and tourist attractions. You do not mention where the problem building was particularly, but the tourism office will raise your concerns with new Municipal Manager. You are correct in assuming that altering old historical buildings is not always practical or cost effective. Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns with us, and be assured that the issue will be followed up.”
The Graaff-Reinet Advertiser also sought comment from Anziske Kayster, head of the Graaff-Reinet Museum Complex, who stated emphatically that "the Museum has profound comprehension for the problem and would be the first to admit that many of its facilities have accessibility issues.
We would go further and say that Graaff-Reinet, and particularly the areas frequented by tourists, is generally not pedestrian friendly. So one can understand the frustrations of people that have mobility challenges when many without these challenges frequently suffer inconvenience from narrow sidewalks, uneven and damaged surfaces, ill-placed signage, poorly covered manholes and other obstacles.
It is also true to say that many of the ramps that have been provided do not comply with accessibility norms as set out in the building regulations. It should also be born in mind that accessibility does not only entail the provision of ramps but also includes widths of internal routes, door positions, opening widths, heights of internal obstacles and provision of accessible toilet facilities to mention but a few.
The Museum has where possible, within space, budgetary and heritage constraints attempted to improve accessibility to visitors with mobility impairments, but in most instances, it is simply not practically possible. How for instance would one provide wheelchair access to Reinet House cost-effectively and without severely compromising the aesthetic and heritage value of the building?
The above notwithstanding the Museum is committed to welcoming all members of the community through its doors and the staff will always assist as far as possible to ensure that visitors who struggle with mobility will also be able to reasonably enjoy that which the Museum has to offer. The management of the museum will certainly also review possible changes that can be made to improve accessibility when financial and staff resources permit."
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