In Rwanda, pedestrians matter more than vehicles

Editor, RE: “The street as the ‘third place’ between home and workplace” (The New Times, January 27). This is an amazing article. In our context here in Rwanda, it is a fortunate situation that we still have room to rethink and redesign streets owned by the public not just the few driving vehicles but, most importantly, the pedestrians. That room where pedestrians and cars can co-exist, respecting the boundaries between how far technology takes (vehicles) us and human value and rights is the appropriate democracy. I am pretty sure that there is a time in near future that I will have capacity to own a car. Despite this, my wish is to live my future in a city that values me over cars, we own them they don’t own us. My hope is that the good intention the government has shown of considering humanity over vehicles, partly demonstrated through the move to create the car free-zone in the middle of the City, is sustained. However, worries may arise, sometimes we have good intentions and we end up with wrong actions. I hope it is not going to be the case with Kigali. The design of the public space matters to us, and good intentions must be followed up with good actions. I hope for a well designed space, in particular looking forward to see what the car free-zone is going to become when redesigned. Patrick Kayeye ******************* This is a crucial and interesting topic to expand on for the future of Rwandan streets. Streets host various activities in our society, from commercial to social and environmental aspects. Typical and contextual examples on the benefits of the streets in Kigali or other places to relate to would be very helpful. For instance, in Kigali, it was not appropriate to cut the trees on the Serena Hotel road, which not only provided shade for pedestrians walking on it, but also beautified the area. I enjoyed the read. Farid

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In Rwanda, pedestrians matter more than vehicles