The same pile-up of cars can be seen again during weekdays at lunch break. The congestion worsens between four and six in the evening when people leave their places of work.
The Gaborone City Council (GCC) has over the past few years been doing a very commendable job by widening up roads. Most of the major roads in the city have been turned into dual carriageways. This development was obviously welcomed by many motorists because we were all hopeful that it would reduce traffic congestion.
Nobody can deny the positive impact the new wide roads have had in relieving traffic congestion. It however seems like the car population is growing disproportionately to the improvement of our roads. No matter what road improvements the city seems to put up, there always seems to be more cars than our city can accommodate.
There is already talk that some of the traffic round-abouts in Gaborone will be replaced by traffic lights in a bid to help channel traffic in the most efficient way. This too like many other measures will be a welcome development.
Perhaps the biggest innovation that could take this city a step further is the non-motorised project that the GCC is contemplating. We have learnt that through this project, the city is planning to build walkways and pathways for non-motorised transit carriers like bicycles and carts.
This will obviously create alternative forms of transport for thousands of commuters who are currently restricted to Combis, buses and cars.
Not only will this innovation relieve the city of traffic congestion, but the non-motorised project is cheap and environmentally sustainable. Already a lot of people use fuel- guzzling vehicles which emit fumes.
The use of non-motorised transportation will help in making the city’s environment cleaner. The GCC should be encouraged to expedite this process.
