An assessment of the Lusaka decongestion project (LDP): a case study of great east road.
Date
2024
Authors
Ng’andu, Lushomo
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
Traffic congestion is becoming a common occurrence in many major urban centres in Sub Saharan Africa as the numbers and users of motor vehicles increase. This results in a range of undesirable consequences. The purpose of the study was to investigate the decongestion of traffic on the Great East Road after completion of the Lusaka Decongestion Project. The study had four main objectives as follows: To assess the effectiveness of the Lusaka Decongestion Project in reducing traffic congestion along the Great East Road; to investigate the major causes of traffic congestion on Great East Road; to ascertain major points of traffic congestion on Great East Road; and to examine the perception of affected stakeholders on Great East Road after the Lusaka Decongestion Project. The study employed a case study design. It employed a mixed method approach, questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. The respondents comprised of key informants from 4 government institutions namely; Ministry of Local Government and rural development, Lusaka City Council, Zambia police Traffic division, and Road transport and safety Agency; 22 public bus drivers; 30 passengers; and 8 private motorists. Observations were made by the researcher on the ground and car counts were done using a video recording device. The study found that indeed the Lusaka Decongestion Project has been effective in bringing about traffic congestion reduction, as it has been shown through the reduction of the queue length of traffic especially during peak hours. It further revealed that the leading cause of the continued traffic congestion is the increase of vehicles on the road. The major points of traffic congestion on Great East Road were Munali Flyover Bridge, up to NRDC bus stop mainly during peak hour. The study recommends that the government should construct road infrastructure to cater for the increase of vehicles, and the other roads should also be expanded and more alternative roads be constructed from where the LDP ended as these were the mostly congested areas. Lastly the city should also create a big bus station at NRDC so that mini-buses do not park on the main road and cause congestion.
KEY WORDS: Decongestion, Congestion, Lusaka Decongestion Project, Traffic Congestion and Redesigning
Description
Thesis of Masters of Science Degree in Geography.