Improving accessibility and mobility in the Masia traditional council area in Vhembe district municipality, Limpopo: application of low-cost access and mobility technologies

Abstract

Paper presented at the 30th Annual Southern African Transport Conference 11-14 July 2011 "Africa on the Move", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.

This study focused on the potential application of low-cost, integrated mobility and access technology interventions as key elements for improving socio-economic conditions and spatial livelihoods in rural areas. A feasibility was conducted to unpack the access and mobility issues in the Masia Traditional Council area as a Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) pilot site of Vhembe District in Limpopo. The study technique involved interrogating existing low-cost access and mobility technologies that can be used as interventions to improve and enhance intra and inter-community movement patterns and travel circulation. Ultimately such transport enhancements should provide robust platforms for strongly supporting socio-economic growth and development of rural communities at the CRDP pilot sites. The study considered integrated infrastructure interventions and generated strategies for implementing affordable access and mobility interventions. These included options such as all-weather roads, footpaths, pedestrian bridges and low-level crossing, all providing access to socio-economic facilities such as schools, clinics, shops and government ofices The results show that over time a number of low-cost access and mobility technologies suitable for application in rural territories have been developed. In making recommendations, the study emphasises that rural transport and development challenges should be addressed from two distinct but complementary perspectives. This study concentrated on the mobility perspective, which favours the deployment and provision of local-level infrastructure and services. Such approaches make transport and travel movement and circulation easier, efficient, effective and more convenient. In addition to providing more infrastructure, longer-term development planning should aim to locate facilities closer to the people, leading to selfcontained rural neighbourhoods and communities.