Lagos Must Tackle Transport Problem, Says World Bank

By Eromosele Ebhomele

As the World Bank expresses fears that the number of vehicles on roads around the world would double to about 1.7 billion by 2035, it has urged the Lagos state government, Southwest Nigeria, to urgently look at improving on its transportation system.

According to the World Bank, a proactive step now by the government could assist greatly in the future of the state.

In a statement posted on it website Thursday and signed by Rachel Kyte,

Vice President for Sustainable Development of the World Bank, Lagos is a graphical example of what growing cities face or could face as a result of poor planning.

She however commended the state government for its Bus Rapid Transit scheme, saying this had reduced the hassles of commuters.

“Take a drive in Lagos and you’ll see the challenges cities face–and what they can do about them,” she said, adding that the state which is highly populated has locked-in traffic patterns and congested roads that can get thick with pollution.

“In 2002, the city decided to do something about it. With support from the World Bank, it began work on a bus rapid transport system, the first in sub-Saharan Africa.

“BRT commuters in Lagos today have reduced their transit time by 40 per cent, and fares have dropped 30 per cent on average, despite rising fuel costs. Much more must be done, but we’re seeing progress,” she added.

The World Bank top executive said the number of cars that would hit the road in 2035 would be as a result of the impact of urbanisation as six in 10 individuals are likely to live in cities by 2030.

She noted that the world’s cities have a transport problem in the making as a result and must begin to think of a way out.

“It’s also an opportunity, one that cities, particularly the fast-growing urban centres in developing countries, must take now.

“Those that build efficient, inclusive urban transport systems can connect their people with jobs, health care, and education. They can reduce congestion, and they can limit carbon emissions that are contributing to climate change.

She noted that 14 per cent of climate changing greenhouse gases come from the transport sector, and 90 per cent of urban air pollution is generated by motor vehicles.

According to her, “ air pollution cuts into cities’ productivity and is blamed for the deaths of 800,000 people every year.

“Another 1.2 million people die from traffic crashes, 90 per cent of them in low and middle income countries.

“The infrastructure and policy choices cities make today will lock them into urban development patterns for decades to come, patterns that will either facilitate healthy, economically viable cities or create cities marked by pollution, congestion, and climate change.”

She disclosed that experts and city leaders from around the world would be meeting at the World Bank for Transforming Transportation 2013 in which the New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, will join the World Bank President, Jim Kim, for a discussion about shaping the future of urban transportation.

She urged leaders around the world to contribute their own ideas and participate since it would be beneficial to their countries and states.

She also noted that the World Bank and the other large multilateral development banks have committed $175 billion over the next decade for improving sustainable transport, urging governments and development experts around the world “to determine how to use that money, and their own funds, in ways that will result in greener, more inclusive, and sustainable cities for the future.”