Mobility and Accessibility in Urban Areas : An Assessment of Urban Transport and Social Exclusion among Low-Income Groups in Harare

Abstract

This study sought to unravel and explain the transport related challenges faced by low-income residents of Southlea Park in Harare, Zimbabwe, and the resultant social exclusion that these residents were facing. The study was therefore inspired by the common struggles, hurdles and challenges faced by the Southlea Park residents in their commuting life. A single case study research design focusing on the residents of Southlea Park was adopted for the research. The study was, therefore, qualitative. Key informants from the relevant line ministries and transport parastatals, including the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company, the National Railways of Zimbabwe, the Vehicle Inspection Department, and the City of Harare (CoH) were taken as the research participants. From the private sector, key informants from commuter omnibus (kombis) operators, private bus operators and the unregistered taxicab (Mushikashika) were also taken as study participants as these were key players in the provision of transport to residents of Southlea Park. Semi-structured interviews and non-participant observation were the main data collection techniques. This study revealed that the residents of Southlea Park in Harare were being socially excluded and marginalized from economic and social participation due to the numerous transport related challenges they were facing. These challenges emanated from the misuse of land and corruption in the suburb that led to the spaces meant for business activities, schools and hospitals being taken up by houses hence forcing the residents to look for these services elsewhere. The players in the provision of public transport in the city were also significantly contributing to the transport related challenges faced by residents as they themselves were failing to cope with the levels of congestion, transport shortages, lawlessness on the part of the transport providers and the commuters themselves, and the heightened transport related corruption bedeviling the city. This study had a lot of policy implications for the players in the provision of transport to this suburb, including the need for a transport strategy and an overall integrated policy and master plan for further development of Southlea Park and other residential areas in the city’s fringes