Bulawayo City Council (BCC) is eager to explore climate-friendly initiatives with a delegation from Quelimane Municipality, Mozambique.
This exchange visit focuses on improving development, service delivery, and environmental management.
Nesisa Mpofu, BCC Corporate Communications Manager, highlighted the value of learning from other cities. “These platforms allow us to see how other municipalities are managed,” she said.
Quelimane representatives touted cycling as a successful method for reducing carbon emissions.
BCC launched a similar “Asitshoveni” project, but it faced low public participation.
“Our primary focus is creating an investor-friendly environment,” Mpofu explained. “Reducing carbon emissions is a global priority. Quelimane’s strong emphasis on cycling culture significantly reduces their carbon footprint. A greener and smarter city will attract more investors.”
Sacur Chipire, Director of Projects and Studies for Quelimane Municipality, elaborated on their cycling initiative.
“Our mayor, Manuel de Araujo, introduced cycling culture in 2011 to minimise environmental impact,” he said. “Previously, motorcycles, with higher emissions, dominated transportation.”
“The mayor actively promotes cycling by donating bicycles to taxi operators and offering tax breaks,” Chipire continued. “We also provide training on road signs and traffic regulations to new taxi operators, many from rural areas. This has significantly reduced accidents caused by a lack of knowledge.”
Quelimane has also invested in building more cycling lanes to further enhance safety and promote cycling.
“We’re the first city in Mozambique with cycling lanes,” Chipire said. “Recent funding will allow us to expand this network. Residents praise cycling’s effectiveness for door-to-door deliveries and affordability compared to other options.”
