Urbanization refers to the entire development of a certain place. This process entails rapid population expansion, an increase in the share of non-agricultural workers, and shifts in land use from agricultural to non-agricultural patterns. Urbanization is a continual process that is influenced by a variety of economic factors, including commerce, transportation, and industrial activity.
More particular, urbanization has resulted in considerable changes in transportation activity, reflecting rapid city growth and the population’s increased mobility needs. As a result, urbanization and transportation have a strong global relationship.
At the moment, there is a greater need for transportation due to urbanization. The need for transportation services rises with the number of people living in cities. People need effective ways to get to work, go to school, and get basic services. The need for freight and logistics services has increased as a result of the growth in economic activity in metropolitan regions.
To address the increasing need for transportation, Ethiopia has implemented a variety of transportation systems. Nationwide, people have used public transportation systems, like as the Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit (AA-LRT), buses and minibuses, and ride-sharing services.
Despite the Ethiopian government’s significant investment in road infrastructure to facilitate urbanization and increase the connection between urban and rural areas, urban mobility remains challenging. Among other things, insufficient infrastructure in cities is worth noting. Many cities struggle with inadequate road networks, poorly maintained highways, and restricted public transportation options. Furthermore, existing transportation systems have their own environmental impact, contributing to climate change. Increased vehicle emissions add to air pollution, creating concerns about both public health and environmental sustainability.
In order to mitigate these effects, the government outlines future directions for sustainable transportation alternatives. As a result, there is a rising emphasis on developing sustainable mobility solutions that reduce dependency on private vehicles while encouraging public transportation.
Furthermore, the government develops a variety of policies and programs to promote sustainable urban transportation networks. Policies are being established to encourage public transportation, non-motorized mobility (such as walking and cycling), and ecologically friendly behaviors. Urban planning projects seek to integrate land use and transportation planning in order to promote walkable and transit-oriented urban environments.
More significantly, the Ethiopian Ministry of Logistics and Transport is developing smart transportation systems that promote the use of technology in transportation management, such as traffic monitoring systems and digital payment solutions for public transportation. Furthermore, the Ministry is concentrating on community participation, which involves residents in transportation planning procedures that can meet local needs and enhance service delivery.
It is clear from the facts and information above that Ethiopia’s transportation system is directly related to the country’s continuous urbanization process. There are continuous attempts to improve urban mobility through better public transportation systems, the development of road infrastructure, and sustainable practices, even though problems like traffic and poor infrastructure still exist. In order to promote Ethiopia’s urban growth while maintaining accessibility, effectiveness, and environmental sustainability, these challenges must be addressed.
Cognizant of this, the Ethiopian Ministry of Transportation and Logistics created the Addis Ababa Urban Street Design Manual. The manual is a thorough document intended to enhance the capital of Ethiopia’s urban streets’ appearance, usability, and safety. It is crucial for the preservation of the ecosystem as well.
The manual is intended to define and categorize streets based on their function (e.g., arterial, collector, local) and to provide instructions for the proper design requirements for each kind. There are also environmental considerations. It incorporates green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and permeable pavements, as well as techniques for reducing urban heat and improving air quality.
Ethiopian Logistics and Transport State Minister Dhenge Boru stated that Ethiopia’s commitment to sustainable green transportation is more critical than ever, since the world, especially Ethiopia, faces the dual challenges of urbanization and climate change.
According to him, Ethiopia is in a unique position to set the standard for green transportation because of its wealth of renewable energy resources. “In Ethiopia, we are at a pivotal point in the development of green mobility”. He emphasized that Ethiopia must act now to fulfill its promise of sustainable green mobility, noting that his ministry is working to encourage the use of renewable energy sources in the transportation sector to protect the environment.
“By prioritizing mass transportation and non-motorized transportation, we can reduce traffic congestion, improve health quality, and create a healthier environment for future generations.” For this, the Ministry has prepared The Urban Street Design Manual, Dhenge said.
The Manual, created in collaboration with the Institute for Transpiration and Development Policy (ITDP), is intended to provide guidelines for developing efficient transportation networks that accommodate various modes of transportation, such as vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, in all Ethiopian cities. As a result, he explained, infrastructure development can be better integrated with climate change mitigation initiatives.
Institute for Transpiration and Development Policy (ITDP) Africa Program Director Christopher Kost said that the Urban Street Design Manual aims to improve accessibility, encourage eco-friendly transportation options, integrate green spaces, and support sustainable development by boosting the growth of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
Additionally, it aims to create a healthier urban environment by supporting the development of pedestrian paths and better bicycle infrastructure, which would ultimately lead to a healthier populace by promoting healthier lives through increased physical activity, he added.
“ITDP collaborated with the government of Ethiopia to develop Ethiopia’s Urban Street Design Manual to guide the design of streets that are safe and efficient. We want to make sure that people can move around Ethiopia’s cities efficiently,” he said.
The rapid growth of urbanization, combined with population increase, has become a significant concern not only for Ethiopia but also for certain wealthy countries. This condition requires countries such as Ethiopia to develop a manual that meets the needs of the metropolis while avoiding environmental hazards.
Therefore, the Urban Street Design Manual for Addis Ababa would be an invaluable resource in resolving the issues faced by growing urbanization. By fostering safety, sustainability, economic vitality, and community involvement, such a manual can dramatically improve citizens’ quality of life while also supporting environmental protection. It can also help to create a more sustainable urban environment by supporting eco-friendly transportation options, developing green infrastructure, improving air quality, and encouraging community engagement, among other things.
BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2024
