adminHerald Reporter
ZIMBABWE should start investing in its public transport system to build an efficient and sustainable transport network to improve the flow of traffic and reduce air pollution, local researchers say.Mrs Doreen Tirivanhu, a researcher at the Institute of Environmental Studies at the University of Zimbabwe told participants at a media workshop on transport and environmental science technology communication that public transport was critical in tackling urban mobility challenges facing most cities and towns.
“Zimbabwe must invest in its mass transportation system to improve traffic flow management. Our current system is unsustainable,” she said.
“My husband leaves home with his car, I leave for work with my car and everybody is going to work in their own separate cars. When you look at massive growth of cars on our roads and the related health and mobility implications of this, you will realise that we must now seriously consider investing in mass transportation.”
The workshop was organised by the Institute of Environmental Studies and the Transport and Environment Science Technology Network (TEST) to raise awareness on pressing problems facing Zimbabwe and most other African countries when it comes to issues related to air pollution, road safety, traffic flow management, equity and climate change.
“We need to encourage mass investment in public transport. The Harare council one-way street policy, though essential, must be reviewed to be synchronised with the way traffic lights operate,” Mrs Tirivanhu said.
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