DVA 2603-SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT

DVA 2603-SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT INTRODUCTION The absolute importance of an advanced and reliable infrastructure for the economic growth of a country should not be overlooked. Such an infrastructure, therefore, needs to be aligned with the country’s population growth and development because the inability of the government to manage the relationship between economic growth and development dynamics places the country at an economic risk. With this mind, an attempt will be made to, firstly, outline the different types of infrastructure in African cities then the importance of the transport and ICT infrastructure in sustainable urban development will be explained. Further to this, the challenges of the transport and ICT infrastructure in African cities will be discussed and where applicable relevant examples will be provided. Different types of infrastructure in African cities The Global Sustainable Development Report 2016 in the Sustainable urban development reader for DVA2603, compiled by Ntema, Maphosa & Maseola (2017:164) defined infrastructure as a means to fulfil human need. In the only study guide for DVA 2603: Sustainable Urban development by Ntema, Maphosa and Maseola (2017:42), it was further stated that according to the United Nations the “scope of infrastructure comprises of basic services such as water, sanitation and energy, and connectivity infrastructure such as, transport systems, and information and communication technologies”. Infrastructure is usually divided into two categories: The social infrastructure: This includes facilities for education and health that satisfies socioeconomic and political needs. The economic infrastructure: This includes, amongst others, facilities such as energy, transport (subsectors of road, rail, air and port), information and communication technology (ICT), and water supply. The importance of the transport and ICT infrastructure in sustainable urban development: with relevant examples According to the Developing Africa’s infrastructure for Enhanced competitiveness article by Moyo, Ondiege and Verdier-Chouchane (2017:184) in the DVA2603 reader, welldeveloped energy, transportation and communication infrastructure networks are essential requirements for linking less-developed communities to their markets. Effective transport, 2 J.D. MAHARAJ-ST. NO.-DVA2603 ASSIGNMENT 6() including its subsectors, enables businesses to offer their products and services in a secure and timely manner. It also ensures that the workforce is able to commute daily and further encourages foreign trade and investment. A high-quality telecommunication network also allows for a rapid and free flow of information, contributing to better economic efficiency where business decisions can be made faster. The strongest impact of economic growth is influenced by the telecommunications sector, followed by the transport sector. Transportation infrastructure According to Moyo et al, a well-developed infrastructure that works properly is necessary for linking Africa’s economy. This enables Africa to compete effectively, gain access to regional markets and benefit from globalization. For this purpose, an efficient and secure national and cross-border infrastructure is required. These networks are crucial for sustainable growth as it contributes to productivity growth, by increasing competitiveness, and eases the cost of doing business (Moyo et al 2017:183-4). A developed transportation infrastructure is especially crucial for landlocked countries because it assists in opening up production zones. 78 percent of Burkino Faso’s trade is undertaken by four main roads and rail that links the country to ports in Benin, Cote d’ Ivoire, Ghana and Togo (Moyo et al 2017:188). Apart from the transport infrastructure as a whole, its subsectors, also, serves the following importance: Road transportation encourages the entry of new businesses into the formal sector. There is a noticeable relation between better roads and the size and number of startups. Welldeveloped roads enable more businesses to offer similar products leading to lower prices due to competition. Over and above this, good roads have a direct impact on the size of markets (Moyo et al 2017:188). Rail transportation, is an alternative in areas where topography is an issue, effecting the construction of road. An effective rail transport lowers the hidden costs of the increasing numbers of private cars whilst decreasing the effects of motor vehicle accidents and air pollution. The ‘Gautrain’, opened in 2011, is a high-frequency train that operates through South Africa’s economic hub (Gauteng’s Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, and Sandton, Midrand and Pretoria) and provides a rapid-rail link with the international airport. (Pirie 2017:209-210). Air transportation is important for landlocked countries. These countries need to improve their connectivity and safety by investing in this form of transportation as it reduces costs and promotes intra- African and global trade (Moyo et al 2017:189). 3 J.D. MAHARAJ-ST. NO.-DVA2603 ASSIGNMENT 6() Ports: Improving this form of transportation reduces the cost of production for businesses. This is evident in West Africa, where the Dakar Port Container Development Project enabled Senegal to expand into the international markets. Port traffic here has increased by 13.37 percent and the average waiting time for ships have decreased, thus, significantly reducing the cost of production for industries (Moyo et al 2017:189). ICT infrastructure Moyo et al (2017: 189) further states that the development of an adequate and quality ICT infrastructure network will contribute towards improving productivity, reducing communication costs, promoting financial inclusion and regional integration. For this purpose, many projects have been initiated that contribute to the usage of ICT online applications such as e-government, e-education and e-health. Alzouma (2017: 147-8), believed that ICTs are seen as a medium that creates wealth and empowering communities. Rural business communities can now advertise and sell their products all over the world. Teachers and students can also improve their performance by being able to access resources on the web. Women and children are empowered by being exposed to new perspectives on their current lifestyles. An advanced ICT infrastructure can also assist entrepreneurs expand markets, production and market research by effectively utilizing their time and money. The positive effects of ICT also contribute to increased economic growth, agricultural and industrial productivity and effective public administration and participation. The African Development Form in Addis Ababa has set goals, through the use of ICTs, for the eradication of poverty, the promotion of democracy, education, healthcare, business and trade. The challenges of the transport and ICT infrastructure in African cities: with relevant examples Moyo et al (2017: 183) believe inadequate infrastructure has increased the costs of business in most African economies. The Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) estimates that Africa needs to invest about US$93 billion annually for capital investment and maintenance. Without maintenance, infrastructure deteriorates and becomes unsustainable. Road access in Africa is limited to about 34 percent of the population and the ICT sector started out with only 6 percent of users as compared to an average of 40 percent in the developing world. Infrastructure progress on the continent has been slow in most of its sectors. Africa has 15 landlocked countries and due to the challenges faced from the lack 4 J.D. MAHARAJ-ST. NO.-DVA2603 ASSIGNMENT 6() of a multimodal infrastructure, these countries face difficulties in getting their goods to the market or importing them. A proper network infrastructure, linking these landlocked countries through efficient feeder roads, national roads, airports and ports should, therefore, not be overlooked (Moyo et al 2017: 190-2). Transportation challenges Africa’s underinvestment in the transportation sector has resulted in a dilapidated infrastructure. Whilst India and China invested about 32 percent and 42 percent of their GDP into this sector, Africa, on the other hand, only invested 25 percent of its GDP. This resulted in a warn -out and neglected transportation infrastructure that ultimately resulted in higher transport costs. This in turn hampers Africa’s global competitiveness and economic growth. Transportation and its subsectors face both infrastructure and regulatory challenges (Moyo et al 2017: 196). Road Infrastructure is the main mode of transport for goods and passengers in Africa, yet, a large percentage of the roads still remain unpaved, isolating people from reaching basic needs such as education and health services. Access to roads is unbalanced with rural areas being mostly cut-off, making goods and services, to these areas, difficult to reach and more expensive. Road maintenance, due to neglect and overloading is another major factor. To fund this means an increase in fuel levies and toll fees which operate in only a portion of the region’s network, most of which are found in South Africa. Unofficial fees and bribes, further, delay the collection of these fees. Poor condition of roads results in an increase in road accidents and traffic congestions, both have a direct link to the loss of time and productivity within the workforce. Road regulatory challenges at National level, experiences various legal and legislative issues that needs addressing. The legislation on axle overload and the funding for road maintenance, also, needs to be re-looked. Countries like Uganda have policies in place for this but the law has not been enacted upon. The Rail infrastructure is outdated and limited maintenance has resulted in a reduction of usable tracks. North Africa has the oldest railway network in Africa with only a few upgrades since its inception. The Tanzania-Zambia railway has suffered from underinvestment and declining reusable tracks between 2005 and 2011. The differences in rail gauge variation undermine the regional integration of rail networks placing serious restrictions on the network development. Rail regulatory challenges include the harmonization of rail gauges, across countries that need addressing at regional level. Customs regulatory framework for cross boarder movement of goods and services is required to be put into place. 5 J.D. MAHARAJ-ST. NO.-DVA2603 ASSIGNMENT 6() Air transportation infrastructure, although crucial in Africa, is expensive by international standards due to lower passenger traffic, limited usage of airspace, higher taxes, safety issues and the limited infrastructure. This continent’s airlines also lag behind in terms of technology, surveillance equipment and fleet modernization and the poor infrastructure hinders service. In Tanzania safe and reliable air travel services is only guaranteed during its dry seasons. Regulatory challenge, here, mostly relates to the liberalisation of air space as this limits competition from foreign-owned airlines, making this is the main contributing factor for higher prices. Many African ports face infrastructure problems in regards to capacity problems and an ineffective inland transport system. These inefficiencies lead to slow processing times resulting in higher tariffs that is not in line with the poor service provided. There is a lack of coordination between the different parties involved, such as port institutions, customs, transport ministries and unions. There is also the absence of involvement in procompetitive policies and arrangements. One of the regulatory challenges faced is ensuring regulatory independence. Regulatory reform and the independence from government interference will ensure policy reforms are successful.