Chantelle Bongubukhosi Ncube
As the school term ends and students flood out of classrooms, Zimbabwe’s cities, are witnessing an overwhelming surge in congestion.
High school students, suddenly free from the regimented schedule of classes, are flocking to urban centers, leading to a myriad of issues that are drawing concern from residents, business owners, and urban planners alike.
The phenomenon of urban congestion during school holidays is not new, but it has become increasingly problematic in recent years. A 2022 report by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) revealed that the country has over 4.6 million students enrolled in secondary schools, with a significant proportion residing in urban areas. Harare alone hosts nearly 800,000 students. When these students are off school, the impact on the city’s infrastructure and services is immense.
According to a study conducted by the University of Zimbabwe’s Department of Urban Planning, there has been a 15% increase in foot traffic in central business districts (CBDs) during school holidays.
This surge is largely attributed to schoolchildren who, with newfound free time, gather in shopping malls, streets, and recreational parks.
The study highlights that these youths contribute to overcrowding in public spaces, making it difficult for residents to carry out daily activities and for businesses to operate smoothly.
Public Sentiment
Local residents have voiced their frustrations over the growing congestion. Mrs. Martha Chikukwa, a shop owner in downtown expressed her discontent:
“Every holiday, it feels like the City is under siege. The streets are filled with young people who have nothing to do, and it becomes difficult for us to conduct business. The noise levels are unbearable, and there’s an increase in petty crimes, which scares away customers.”
Public transport operators have also noted the impact. Mr. Tawanda Nyathi, a kombi driver, explained how the influx of schoolchildren affects his daily operations: “During school holidays, our routes become heavily congested, especially in the afternoons. We end up spending more time on the road and less time making trips, which affects our income.”
However, not all the feedback is negative. Some students see the City as an opportunity to explore, socialize, and take a break from the academic pressures.
“We spend so much time in school, and when the holidays come, we just want to enjoy ourselves. But we don’t have many places to go except for the City,” said 16-year-old student Tendai Moyo.
The root cause of this problem lies in the lack of adequate recreational facilities for youths in urban areas. Zimbabwe’s economic challenges have led to the neglect of public spaces and recreational centers, leaving few options for young people seeking to engage in productive activities during their free time.
A 2023 report by the Zimbabwe Institute of Development Studies pointed out that 70% of the country’s recreational facilities are either non-functional or in a state of disrepair. As a result, students have limited choices and are naturally drawn to City centers, where they can engage in leisure activities such as window shopping, watching movies, or simply straying around like untendered cows.
Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, there is an urgent need for the government and local authorities to invest in the rehabilitation and development of recreational facilities.
Sports complexes, community centers, and youth clubs should be prioritized to provide students with alternative spaces to spend their time constructively.
Secondly, schools could introduce holiday programs that keep students engaged in academic, cultural, or sports activities even during the break.
This not only keeps them occupied but also aids in their overall development. In countries like Kenya and South Africa, structured holiday programs have been successful in reducing juvenile delinquency and keeping students away from city centers.
Lastly, local authorities could implement measures to manage the flow of people in urban areas during peak holiday periods. For instance, creating pedestrian-only zones in certain parts of the CBD could help alleviate congestion and ensure a smoother flow of traffic.
As Zimbabwe grapples with the challenges of urban congestion, it is clear that more needs to be done to manage the influx of schoolchildren during holidays. While students deserve a break, the lack of recreational options and the resulting impact on urban life cannot be ignored. By investing in youth-centered infrastructure and programs, Zimbabwe can transform its cities into more livable spaces for all residents while providing its young population with meaningful ways to spend their free time.
Zim GBC News