DEA to roll out second phase of NMT programme

2nd February 2016 By: Megan van Wyngaardt - Creamer Media Contributing Editor Online

DEA to roll out second phase of NMT programme

Photo by: Bloomberg

The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has secured a €5-million grant from the German development bank KfW to finance a five-year second phase of its nonmotorised transport (NMT) programme.

This formed part of the German–South African binational Financial Cooperation agreement.

Phase 1 of the programme, which was initiated in 2011, focused on the development of bicycle routes, parking facilities and rental stations with a view to promote NMT.

The outcome was to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and advocate behavioural change towards a cleaner healthier lifestyle.

The infrastructure development of Phase 1 has been completed within the eThekwini metropolitan municipality and the City of Johannesburg, while the Polokwane local municipality was in the final stages of completing the first phase.

Phase 2 would result in the extension of existing bicycle networks to contribute to efficient intermodal transportation networks within the cities.

It would further include associated services such as the promotion of small, medium-sized and microenterprise development through the establishment of bicycle empowerment centres.

In addition to the infrastructure development and associated services, the programme would also involve advocacy campaigns to encourage NMT use by communities.