Innocent Sibonginkosi Ncube
Angelah N Mlotshwa
Environmental and Health Reporter
The Bulawayo City Council, last week launched Asitshoveni a culture of cycling culture at the Large City Hall.
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In attendance was the Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, who was the guest of honour, The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Dr. Evelyn Ndlovu, standing in for the City Mayor was his deputy, Councillor Mlandu Ncube the Acting Town Clerk and other dignitaries.
The Asitshoveni initiative is being revived to promote the culture of cycling that is already fledgling in the City.
“Asitshoveni” cycling initiative by BCC is a conducive campaign for the transport industry to reduce air and land pollution, and congestion.
In her opening remarks the Acting Town Clerk went down memory lane and told delegates that yesteryear, Old Khami road would be a see of cyclists as they trooped to and from the industrial areas early in the morning and evenings.
“Imagine if there were cars, trucks, what will it do to our environment?”, said Deputy Mayor Mlando Ncube.
Cllr. Ncube emphasised that bicycle riding reduces all the dangerous gases emitted from motors vehicles and provides clean air for the city and keeping the ozone layer clean.
“Cycling is not only good for your health, it reduces stress and helps economically.”
With the transport costs bedelving citizens and the unreliability of the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) residents are encouraged to use bicycles to and from work at the same time exercising and cutting costs.
“We are here to encourage the nation to get bicycles and start the culture of cycling, it is health, it makes the body fit. One can even use it as a fast mode of transport, it doesn’t have many stops as kombis”, said Member of Parliament Kucaca Phulu added after he participated in cycling around the City Centre.
The launch was an open invite for everyone in the community thus a diverse section of Bulawayo citizens took part in the cycle tours around the city albeit the numbers were low.
“I love cycling and this is why I chose to participate, not only that but I want to be a leading example to disabled people like me that they can always do what others are doing.” Expressed Kotsofa Ndlovu who was riding a customised tri-cycle for the disabled.
The low turn out could be attributed to the fact that the launch was conducted during work hours when many people were tied up at their places of work and school children were at school.
Judging from the attendance, the organisers would have improved the numbers had they engaged the corporate world to participate by releasing their employees.
The corporate presence was only visible outside the City Hall grounds were there was a mini Health Expo.
Since the ‘Asitshoveni’ campaign is here to enhance a smart mobility initiative with the community it is yet to be seen if it will realise desired results from the Bulawayo citizenry.
But one could not fail to notice that those who turned out, had luxurious cars parked nearby and lavish circles.