The Deputy Director of Transport Policy in the Ministry of Works and Transport, Cynthia Haimbodi, has emphasised that the current 1 800-kilometre cycle challenge happening on the Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC) aims to assess technology integration and land use.

Haimbodi was speaking in Swakopmund at the welcoming event of 30 cyclists from Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. The cyclists are participating in a series of events planned for the 20th anniversary of the Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat. Transport ministers from the three member states have since signed a recommitment pledge to facilitate the seamless movement of goods and transit of persons on the corridor.

The cyclists have cycled from Rustenburg, South Africa, through Botswana to the Walvis Bay port.

‘In undertaking the cycling challenge, one of the reasons for that was to assess a range of factors, including land use, transportation modes, infrastructure design, and technology integration. By adopting a holistic approach that prioritises m
ulti-modal transportation options, smart land-use planning, and data-driven decision-making, we can create corridors that are safe, efficient, and sustainable,’ Haimbodi said.

The corridor, she stressed serves as a vital artery connecting people, goods, and services in communities from the three countries.

‘The TKC is key to enhancing mobility, reducing congestion, improving safety, and fostering economic development. Corridor management is not just about moving vehicles from point A to point B. It is about creating vibrant, livable spaces that prioritise the needs of all users, whether they are pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, or drivers – by implementing innovative design solutions, such as dedicated bus lanes,’ Haimbodi said.

In addition to physical infrastructure improvements, corridor management also involves leveraging technology to optimise traffic flow, she added.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency