Chantelle Bongubukhosi Ncube
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city, showcases a striking contrast between its low-density (emayadini) and high-density (emalokitshini) suburbs, particularly in terms of greenery and plant cover.
This disparity not only affects the aesthetic appeal of these areas but also has significant implications for temperature regulation, climate change mitigation, and overall productivity.
The Green Divide
Low-density suburbs in Bulawayo, such as Burnside, Hillside, Riverside, Suburbs, and Kumalo, are characterized by expansive yards, tree-lined streets, and well-maintained gardens.
These areas boast a significantly higher amount of greenery compared to high-density suburbs like Makokoba, Pumula, Luveve, Magwegwe, Njube and Nkulumane, where limited space and resources have led to a stark lack of vegetation.
This disparity is not unique to Bulawayo but is reflective of urban planning trends seen across many African cities.
According to a study by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), low-density suburbs in Zimbabwe’s urban areas have up to 70% more green space than their high-density counterparts.
In Bulawayo, this difference is particularly pronounced, with low-density areas enjoying an average of 1,000 square meters of green space per household, compared to just 100 square meters in high-density suburbs .
Temperature Differences and Urban Heat Islands
The lack of greenery in high-density suburbs exacerbates the urban heat island effect, where densely built areas experience higher temperatures than their greener, more spacious counterparts.
Trees and plants play a critical role in cooling urban environments through shade and the process of evapotranspiration, where plants release moisture into the air, reducing surrounding temperatures.
Research indicates that neighborhoods with ample greenery can be up to 2-3°C cooler than those with minimal vegetation. In Bulawayo, residents of high-density suburbs often endure sweltering temperatures during the hot season, which can reach up to 40°C, while those in low-density areas enjoy relatively cooler microclimates.
This temperature difference has far-reaching consequences, from increased energy consumption for cooling in high-density areas to higher incidences of heat-related illnesses.
The lush greenery of low-density suburbs not only enhances their aesthetic appeal but also contributes to higher property values. Studies have shown that properties surrounded by well-maintained gardens and green spaces can be worth up to 15-25% more than those in less green areas .
In Bulawayo, this trend is evident, with real estate in suburbs like Hillside fetching significantly higher prices than comparable properties in high-density areas.
This disparity in aesthetic appeal also has social implications, reinforcing existing inequalities between the residents of different suburbs. While low-density suburbs are often associated with affluence and a higher quality of life, high-density areas are frequently perceived as less desirable, contributing to a cycle of underinvestment and neglect.
Green spaces are vital in the fight against climate change, serving as carbon sinks that absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. The World Bank estimates that urban trees can absorb up to 150 kilograms of CO2 per year.
However, the lack of greenery in high-density suburbs means that these areas are missing out on this crucial environmental service, exacerbating their vulnerability to climate change.
Moreover, the minimal vegetation in high-density areas increases the likelihood of soil erosion and reduces the capacity of these suburbs to withstand extreme weather events. This makes high-density suburbs in Bulawayo more susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, including increased flooding during the rainy season and prolonged droughts.
The temperature disparities and lack of green spaces in high-density suburbs have a direct impact on the productivity of their residents. Studies have shown that exposure to high temperatures can reduce cognitive performance and increase fatigue, leading to lower productivity levels .
In Bulawayo, workers and students in high-density suburbs may struggle to perform at their best during the hot months, compared to their counterparts in cooler, greener low-density areas.
Furthermore, the lack of access to green spaces for recreation and relaxation in high-density suburbs can contribute to higher stress levels, negatively affecting mental health and overall well-being. This, in turn, can further reduce productivity and exacerbate social inequalities.
In his speech at the Youth Climate Action Fund, his Worship the Mayor of Bulawayo Senator David Coltart spoke of the disparities in the green of low and high density surbubs saying
“If you look at our city on Google maps you will see a stark difference in colour, the low density surbubs in the East and the high density suburbs in the West, the East is green the West is brown you can see it from satellites.”
Addressing the greenery disparity between low-density and high-density suburbs in Bulawayo is essential for promoting social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic productivity. Urban planning policies should prioritize the development and maintenance of green spaces in high-density areas, ensuring that all residents have access to the benefits of a greener environment.
Programs that encourage tree planting, community gardens, and the preservation of existing vegetation in high-density suburbs can help bridge the green gap. Additionally, investment in green infrastructure, such as parks and green roofs, can mitigate the urban heat island effect and improve the overall quality of life for residents.
The stark contrast in greenery between low-density and high-density suburbs in Bulawayo is more than just an aesthetic issue. It has profound implications for temperature regulation, climate change mitigation, property values, and the productivity and well-being of residents.
By addressing this disparity, Bulawayo can take a significant step towards creating a more equitable, sustainable, and livable urban environment for all its residents.
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