Oman's first walkway dedicated to visually impaired launched in North Al Batinah

Muscat: The North Al Batinah Governorate celebrated the launch of the first health walkway in the Sultanate of Oman dedicated to the visually impaired in Al Hambar Park in the Wilayat of Sohar, under the patronage of His Excellency Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah, which coincides with the celebration of the North Al Batinah Municipality in cooperation with Al Noor Association for the Blind on the International White Cane Day.

His Excellency Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al Kindi, Governor of North Al Batinah, stressed during the launch of the health walkway and the organisation of a white cane march in cooperation with Al Noor Association for the Blind, the importance of empowering the blind and providing them with opportunities to participate actively in various aspects of life. Pointing out the need to continuously develop public facilities to meet the needs of people with disabilities.

For his part, Mohammed bin Ismail Al Balushi, Chairman of Al Noor Association for the Blind in North Al Batinah Governorate, explained that this initiative is the culmination of the fruitful cooperation between government agencies and Al Noor Association for the Blind, and confirms the joint commitment to empowering the blind and facilitating their daily lives.

 Al Balushi pointed out that the White Cane Walkway is a model to be emulated in projects that take into account the needs of this category. We look forward to more similar projects that enhance the independence of the blind and support them in living their lives with ease.

It is worth noting that the Health Walkway for the Blind extends for about a kilometer, and is equipped with means that allow people with visual disabilities to move easily. It has been provided with an explanatory map in Braille to help the blind know the available services and facilities surrounding them on the site, and slopes have been prepared to facilitate movement, ensuring easy access and movement for all visitors. This walkway comes as part of the efforts of North Al Batinah Governorate to support the blind and provide public facilities that meet their needs.

The celebration witnessed the organization of an accompanying exhibition that included a group of assistive tools for the blind, such as the white cane and devices that contribute to facilitating their daily lives, in addition to displaying modern technologies that help improve mobility.