Prof Amira Osman, South African Research Chair in Spatial Transformation and prof in Architecture at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), is leading a project to introduce special pathways for bicycles in Zanzibar, especially in the Stone Town area. The need to have more cyclists to reduce congestion of vehicles and traffic jams, will also be addressed. In her opening address at a workshop held at the Maru Maru hotel, she explained the importance of the Zanzibar cycling infrastructure project to contribute to ongoing conversations about African cities in particular, and cities of the global south in general.
“The project is about achieving context-specific solutions to make African cities work,” she said.
Prof Osman made a case for unique solutions that focus on walkability and small-scale income generating opportunities (which can only be successful in medium-higher density cities), passive surveillance (safety through "eyes on the street” – that is, buildings looking onto streets) and thermal comfort through a modified micro-climate (compact morphology allowing for shade and protection from the harsh sun). Many of these elements are already present in the heritage area of Zanzibar, which is not only a tourist destination but also a “living town” with a community that needs to be supported and livelihoods that need to be sustained. Given the nature of the city, with its narrow, winding streets, bicycles are an ideal method of transport and business.
Delegates engaging with the plans.
Bluebikes engaging with the plans.
She explained the aim of the workshop was to give cyclists legitimacy and dignity to cycle through having their own pathways and not to have to compete for routes with traffic.
As part of the workshop, Robert Krasser an Austrian partner on the project, led a bicycle and walking tour around Stone Town to observe critical areas needing bicycle infrastructure enhancements.
"We want both rich and poor people to ride bicycles in order make Stone Town eco-friendly," said Robert. He added that the masterplan will create an infrastructure where there will be a pathway for bicycles positioned between the road and the pedestrian pavement.
South African architect, artist and academic, Tebogo Ramatlo, a Doctoral candidate in architecture at TUT, and member of the team working on the project, is passionate about the transformation of cities, education, and policies for the betterment of sustainable human environments. Ramatlo, whose thesis who focuses on the transformation of colonial cities in Africa, briefed delegates during the workshop, explaining that the project will also include support to small businesses that rely on non-motorised transport systems.
This project is funded by the African Development Bank, represented at the workshop by Mr Babati Mokgethi. Mokgethi is dedicated to driving the bank's vision for African cities, including urban planning, policy and strategy, infrastructure, finance, and governance. Specialising in urban design and with more than a decade experience in urban development and infrastructure planning within both local and central government contexts, Mokgethi uses his experience to advise regional member countries and prepare sustainable urban projects for investment by the bank to ensure liveable, efficient and just cities across Africa.
He has spoken and exhibited in South Africa and internationally on matters of mobility, migration, informality, sustainability and homelessness.
The Director of Urban and Rural Planning (DOURP), Muchi Juma Ameir, said this was an opportunity to create an environment for more people to cycle both in Zanzibar and Pemba. Participants at the workshop were from the Commission for Land (COLA), the Department of Tourism, tour guides, media, Zanzibar investment and promotion agencies such as ZiiEcotourism, ZIPA, tour guides, journalists and cyclists. Architect Samir Hadad Khamis from the Stone Town Development and Conservation Agency (STDCA) and Director General of the same agency Ali Bakar also attended the event.
Ms Juliet Rita of the African Network for Walking and Cycling (ANWAC), travelled all the way from Nairobi in support of the initiative. In attendance was also Ms Anja Nelle of the GIZ and Humond Khamis Omar of Bluebikes as well as others.
At the end of the workshop the participants identified routes and nodes on maps of the island and Stone Town to create new pathways for bicycles.
Prof Osman explained: “We do not want to develop a plan in isolation; the workshop (which is the second in a planned series of public engagements) aims to generate ideas and get information from the participants through a co-design and participative process. We also conducted an experiment in the form of a series of interventions, in partnership with local artists, on selected sites throughout Stone Town which we presented at the workshop for feedback.”
Zanzibar cycling infrastructure project 1.
Zanzibar cycling infrastructure project 2.