The visually impaired can feel a little safer at the Blind Institute, High Street with the construction of a $1.2 million fence.
The construction was funded by the Lions Club of Bel Air in collaboration with several agencies.
Speaking at a small gathering on Friday, Zafarulla Persaud, President of the organization said the project was done with the security of the visually impaired in mind. According to him it is important for the visually impaired in society to feel safe in the compound.
He said the partnership with the Blind Institute does not end here as the group also has plans to place lights at the entrance of the compound, which is usually dark and hotspot for criminal activities.
Cecil Morris, a member of the Society for the Blind in expressing gratitude said that he was satisfied with the work done by the organization. He said that it is being viewed as a major transformation adding that it was a necessity for the persons utilizing the facility. “This fence will really support in a mighty way in term of keeping the community safe,” Morris said.
He noted that in the past the institute was the scene of several robberies which resulted in the loss of items, estimated at $3.3 million.
He also pointed to the large piles of garbage which are evident on a daily basis. The garbage piles he said are danger to the visually impaired.
According to Morris, now that the fence is up and lighting would be in place very soon, it would be nice if the police can make regular checks to reinforce security at the institute.
