Obstacle-free facilities specially designed for handicapped people were a necessary part of modern city planning as well as a symbol of civilization, the vice-premier said in his letter.

Wen urged all the relevant departments to employ sound design and management of such facilities.

State Councilor Ismail Amat told the conference that effective systems should be adopted to supervise the management of the facilities and raise awareness of the need to use them efficiently and protect them.

(Xinhua News Agency November 1, 2002)