Creating Sustainable and Vibrant African Cities

It is no secret that African cities, including Harare, were not initially designed to accommodate the large populations they are currently catering to. While this issue exists in many cities worldwide, the difference lies in the adaptability and evolution of cities to meet the changing population demands. Unfortunately, Harare, particularly its CBD, has been falling short in this aspect. One way to gauge a city's design quality is by assessing its level of traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.

Considering that Harare's population stands at 1.5 million, traffic congestion of such magnitude should not be prevalent, especially when we observe cities like Tokyo and Singapore efficiently managing congestion despite having much larger populations. However, today, I want to shed light on a healthier and financially feasible model that has gained prominence in Scandinavia, particularly in Denmark, and is gradually spreading across Europe. This system focuses on promoting walking, cycling, and only driving when necessary. However, for this to become a reality, proper infrastructure needs to be established. Let's delve into the steps required to achieve this transformation.

Step 1 involves emphasizing the upgrade of the CBD area, as it serves as the face of the city and is often the first point of contact for foreign visitors. It becomes evident from watching travel vlogs on platforms like YouTube that the Harare CBD is a significant focus. This matters because foreigners also consume these videos and form perceptions of the country based on what they see. While expanding into the fringes has its merits, a considerable effort should be directed towards continuously improving and revitalizing our CBD. Furthermore, maintaining existing infrastructure proves more cost-effective than constructing new ones.

Step 2 involves the repurposing of neglected flats in the avenues—a regrettable circumstance given their proximity to the CBD and other business districts, which renders them prime locations for residences. The potential in these avenues lies untapped. To address this, refurbishing these apartments to cater specifically to two demographic groups is essential: young professionals and university students. These cohorts are prime targets due to visible demand. Young professionals, seeking reduced commute times and improved work-life balance, are inclined to reside close to the city center. Living in the CBD not only cuts down on stress but also allows for more free time to explore personal interests—an especially valuable prospect considering lower salaries and limited resources. Equally crucial are university students, who face a dire shortage of quality housing across Zimbabwe. A brief drive around university neighborhoods exposes numerous houses that have been converted into mini dormitories, with some charging exorbitant rates of approximately $140 per bed, not per room, per student. Even with this overpriced accommodation, the demand remains unmet. The University of Zimbabwe, for instance, accommodates around 16.8k undergraduates and 2.6k postgraduates with dorms that can cater to only a handful. When considering the country's birth rates, it becomes evident that the influx of university students shows no signs of waning. A significant advantage of real estate lies in its adaptability, making repurposing a viable option.

Step 3 involves creating the necessary infrastructure (bike lanes and pedestrian only streets) and fostering a culture that promotes sustainability and healthier living, much like Denmark and the Netherlands. To encourage cycling, we need to establish the right infrastructure and dispel the stigma associated with cycling often linked to poverty. This can be achieved through government ad campaigns, tax breaks for cyclists, and promoting the health benefits and wise choices associated with cycling. Additionally, introducing bicycle-sharing services, similar to ride-sharing platforms, can revolutionize commuting patterns. Users can rent bicycles or scooters from designated parking spaces using an app and pay per kilometer traveled.

Implementing these steps will significantly reduce our reliance on cars, create a healthier society, alleviate congestion, and lower our carbon footprint. Moreover, it will generate numerous job opportunities, contributing to economic growth and overall urban development. By adopting the lessons learned from Scandinavia, we can transform our cities into sustainable, vibrant, and people-centric spaces that cater to the needs of the growing population.

Remember, this text is written in the style of a hypothetical high-level Neil deGrasse Tyson article and may not reflect his exact voice or opinions.