Alleviating Urban Traffic Congestion: Case of Gaborone City

Abstract

Cities in the developing world have not been spared from the congestion problems due to economic growth and subsequent increase in vehicle ownership by both private and public owners. Traffic congestion is a major challenge in Gaborone, especially in the Western by pass road of the city resulting in massive delays, a decrease in productivity, an increase in environmental pollution, and an increase in travel time. The objective of this paper is to analyse urban transportation congestion, identify causes and proffer solutions through engaging road user perceptions, transport planning authorities and transport policy makers in Botswana. The study employed an exploratory design to sample 208 respondents through the administration of questionnaires. Quantitative data were used and analysed using SPSS v 21. The study revealed that there is massive influx of motor vehicles in the city, inadequate urban infrastructure, poor infrastructural planning, poor or no urban transport policy framework, and Road Traffic Incidents  were the main causes of traffic congestion. The effects of traffic congestion are higher transport costs, massive delays, pollution, decreased productivity and stress to motorists as a result of longer travelling time. The study recommends improvement of road infrastructure especially intersections with traffic circles, implementation of mass transit system in transporting public within the city, public education on effects of congestion, implementation of smart urban transportation, mobility technologies (transport intelligence systems) and implementation of non-motorised mobility.

Keywords: congestion, Gaborone, urban transport, Botswana, mass transit, Main Mall, central business district.

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/11-8-06

Publication date: April 30^th 2020