KAMPALA, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Here in Uganda's capital, motorcycles, also known as boda bodas, are a common and faster means of transport especially if one wants to beat the heavy traffic during the rush hours.

Rushing from one point to another, travellers may be unaware that the means of transport is the greatest contributor to air pollution in the city, as scientists say.

During the strict lockdown period announced last year to control the spread of COVID-19 in the city, vehicles and motorcycles were banned from moving, and air pollution was drastically reduced, according to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

"It was discovered that the (transport) sector contributes close to 60 percent of the nitrogen dioxide exhaust emissions within the Kampala city center," Tom Okurut, executive director of NEMA, said at the start of the 15th annual Air Quality Awareness Week 2021 on Monday.

Other sources of air pollution include biomass burning and dust, according to NEMA.

Uganda is paying heavily for its increasingly poor air quality, as about more than 30,000 people die each year from air pollution-related illnesses, according to the state-run environment watchdog.

"The ambient air quality levels in monitored urban centers are estimated at over 5 times the World Health Organization Public Health guidelines. Despite these grim numbers, there is still limited capacity for effective management and interventions to mitigate air pollution," NEMA said in a statement aimed at raising awareness about clean air.

To reverse this grim situation, the Kampala City Council Authority, with support from the United Nations Environment Program, is currently coordinating efforts to ensure clean air in the city. The city authorities are developing a Kampala clean air action plan to guide activities for reducing air pollution in the city.

NEMA is also leading the development of National Environment Air Quality Standards for Uganda, which will set parameters and rules for public health, vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, pollution exposure for workplaces, among others.

The environment watchdog has said the country's state-run Makerere University has developed a network of low-cost monitoring devices to watch air pollution in major cities in the country.

"It is important to know the extent of air pollution and devise appropriate actions to improve the air quality in our Uganda," it said.

NEMA is also calling upon the public and organizations to play their part in reducing air population.

"Stakeholders have advised on simple actions that can be taken, including planting trees and grass in bare areas, and avoiding burning rubbish and idling engines in traffic, adopting cleaner cooking practices, servicing cars in time, and embracing car-sharing and non-motorized transport options," NEMA said.

In Kampala, 25 air quality monitors have been installed across the city to advise authorities on the next course of action.

"This information is used to design strategies to curb down pollution in the city including areas of priority for tarmacking of roads, non-motorized ways and signaling of road junctions," NEMA said in the statement.

Some private entities in the country have also started manufacturing electric motorcycles in a bid to reduce exhaust emissions.

In March, International University of East Africa, a private university, started making electric motorcycles.

Brian Okalebo, marketing manager of the university, told Xinhua then that 50 motorcycles were on a road test.

"We have released the 50 bikes for research purposes. Some of them are with motorcycle taxi operators who are using them for carrying luggage and passengers. We are sure these will help cut on emissions," Okalebo said.

Kiira Motors Corporation, a state-run motor vehicle enterprise, is also developing and testing electric powered vehicles. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)